Ferrata Marcirosa

Introduction:

The pleasant Ferrata Marcirosa extends in the Lucanian Dolomites in the Pietrapertosa slope. It is characterized by vertical stretches, traverses and two Tibetan bridges in an environment that is the most unknown although enchanting.

Starting location:

The starting point is Pietrapertosa in the province of Potenza in Basilicata. The town can be reached either from Potenza (SP 13) or from the Puglia side. Once in the village the ideal point to leave the car is near the Church of San Cataldo where the return path joins a paved road.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

From the car park you will descend into the town in the direction of the Strada delle 7 Pietre which will lead you to the Roman bridge from which the approach path will actually start. the right side of the Caperrino stream will be held and continue uphill following the signs up to the Via Ferrata Marcirosa (30 'from the bridge - 1 hour from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

It runs along the river and in the most exposed sections a chain comes to our aid. From the start of the via ferrata you go up a chimney aided with plenty of brackets. Once the chimney is finished, continue along a stretch of unaided path up to the first vertical slab aided with brackets along the route. We cover an exposed horizontal traverse that leads us to the first suspension bridge. This bridge is 10 meters long. At the end of the bridge, we climb vertically up to a grassy airy where the metal cables momentarily end. We continue along the path and reach the second part of the ferrata. We go up a vertical section aided with comfortable metal brackets up to another exposed horizontal traverse with excellent equipment for both hands and feet. The traverse ends near the second Tibetan bridge.

At the end of the bridge continue on the aided path up to another break in the same near an escape route. Ignoring the possible exit, we continue to the left entering a slightly more difficult vertical section despite the abundant metal brackets. Once the vertical section is finished, we cover a traverse that leads us back to a path. The continuation of the path resembles the last stretch with first a vertical climb and then another exposed traverse. We are about to complete the via ferrata, having to travel two aided downhill sections where the brackets help a lot in climbing. Descending along an oblique gully we reach the end of the ferrata (2h from the start - 3h from the parking lot).

Descent:

Go up the path and soon reach the town of Pietrapertosa and then the parking lot (15 '- 3h 15' total).

Notes:

The Ferrata Marcirosa is pleasant and presents some interesting and adrenaline-fueled passages. The two suspension bridges and the very traverses stimulate adrenaline thanks to exposure. The rest of the route is not technically difficult as it is assisted by an excellent number of metal equipment. The environment in which the ferrata takes place is surprising and deserves to be visited.

Opportunities:

The Ferrata Marcirosa is located in the Lucanian Dolomites near the 'Via Ferrata Salemm. In fact, near the Roman bridge there are two paths: on the left you continue towards the Ferrata Salemm and on the right towards the Ferrata Marcirosa. The official brochure is available two via ferratas in the Lucan Dolomites. Also in Basilicata there is the Via Ferrata Arenazzo and the Via Ferrata Belvedere.

It is also possible to have a fun angel flight apart. For more information click here.

Spostandoci invece nella zona della Campania, si può raggiungere Volturara Irpina dove è installata la recente Via Ferrata Maroia.