Visit Pietrapertosa, a small mountain village in Basilicata situated 1088 metres above sea level. Located inside the Park of Gallipoli Cognato and the Little Lucanian Dolomites and surrounded by fantastically shaped sandstones, it is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Learn how the Pietrapertosa Saracen fortress acquired importance with the Normans and its history under ancient Arab rule. See the area of Arabata and wander through the historic town centre. Visit the Chapel of Purgatory, the Chapel of San Cataldo and the church of San Giacomo Maggiore.

Climb the many staircases carved into the sandstone to find the portals of ancient noble houses such as Zottarelli, Manna and Andriuoli, before seeing the solar clock, the sundial of Pietrapertosa.

End the tour with a visit to the magnificent Norman-Swabian castle, formerly the Saracen fortress. In its ruins, you can admire the Throne of the Queen dug into the rock, accessible by means of a steep but well-preserved staircase.

As an alternative to the classic historical-archaeological itinerary, you can choose to undertake the Path of the Seven Stones, a naturalistic 1.5 hour trek that connects the municipalities of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano. The Path of the Seven Stones is a journey into fantasy and tradition which unfolds in seven stages.

Trace the storey taken from the text “Vito ballava con le streghe” as you wonder, allowing the themes and images of the narration translate into the visual and aural experience of your journey.