The spectacular peaks of the small Lucanian Dolomites are in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape characterized by sweeter and more rounded shapes like the nearby mountain of Capperino.

To make the place even more suggestive, there is the Rio di Capperino, a tributary of Basento that has dug a deep gorge that divides the Murge of Castelmezzano from the coast of S. Martino to the south to the south.

The Piccole Dolomiti Lucane

As the "Giant from the sea" rise the majestic Lucanian Dolomites, characterized by high spires whose shapes have evoked and suggested imaginative names such as the golden eagle, the anvil, the great mother, the owl.

The birth of these mountains dates back to 15 million years ago (Middle Miocene) during which the sandstones that today constitute the rocks were formed at the bottom of the sea. The highest group is that of the Costa di S. Martino called Piccole Dolomiti as it reproduces the harshness and characteristics of the famous Pule of Trentino Alto Adige.

Equally important are the peaks of the Murge of Castelmezzano and the spires of Monte Carrozze. On the Dolomites, in the most inaccessible ravines beautiful specimens of red kites, kestrels, peregrine falcons as well as the rare and protected Black Stork, object of study and precise observation by the Park Authority make their nest.

Although the spires are almost poor in vegetation, there are interesting species of plants such as the red valerian, the lunaria annua, the Lucan onosma. Close to the peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites there are the Municipalities of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, the latter located at about 1,000 meters above sea level. From these villages it is possible to admire the incredible landscape of the Dolomites as well as follow the numerous paths through which is possible to reach most suggestive places.