Man has certainly proved that he can be a very skilled craftsman. So it was for the masters of all those arts, mother of important masterpieces. But it is not only the human being, with his know-how, who has succeeded in such results. First of all, Nature which by chance created, in the course of an "indefinite" temporal quantity, real works of art. Among the places of this spontaneous production there is undoubtedly the Basilicata. With his “Little Dolomites”, rich in figurative allusions, is fully part of the scenarios worthy of admiration.
Small Dolomites and pareidolia
To fully appreciate something, sometimes you have to "arm yourself" with a deep look. Observe from different perspectives, pay attention to the details and stimulate the imagination. This is the spirit with which to enjoy the Lucanian Dolomites. Imposing and vain they are there, still, waiting to be looked at. “Aware” of a beauty whose shapes are the result of a long work over time. Fifteen million years ago, the rocks that still constitute them today were born from the sea. Slowly sculpted and shaped by a Carthusian craftsman with a lot of patience. Some they resemble spiers, giving us the idea that they are taller than they are. Others indulge themselves in animal figures, faces and inanimate objects. And it is here that the deep eye of the most imaginative observer is activated.
It will have happened to you at times to see clouds in the form of a dog's head, dragons and much more in the sky. This attitude of seeing "what is not there" is called pareidolia, an instinctive phenomenon that when it occurs leaves us pleasantly surprised! If you want to train in this "discipline" the Little Lucanian Dolomites will certainly be a good gym! Here you can see the golden eagle, anvil, owl and many other allusions. Nicknames born from the unusual shapes drawn in the profile of the rock. The singular names of the spiers are combined with the more generic one of the "Little Dolomites". Originally baptized Costa di San Martino, however, they are better known with the name that associates them with the Trentino.
Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa
A good observation point are the municipalities that overlook this creative panorama. Neighbors of the Little Lucanian Dolomites are the towns of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa. Placed on the front peaks, they could symbolically play the part of opposite that curiously "spy". From here a window opens through which to admire the imposing peaks. Inserted among the most beautiful villages in Italy, from the two villages there are paths leading up to the Lucanian Dolomites.
What to observe "from the inside"? Fauna and vegetation. In the most hidden and apparently less hospitable corners, various animal species live. The red kite, the peregrine falcon and the kestrel. Specimens all gifted with a great view! Flora also finds here and there places to dwell. Which could seem something grandiose to us compared to the vital force of a nature that makes its way between the rocks! Among the best known plants, the red valerian stands out. However, another point of view is missing. The one that widens the field of observation and that allows us to contextualize.
Going beyond the main subject you will notice that, in the background, there is a sinuous landscape. Gentle slopes that contrast and break the harsh tones of the spiers. An additional detail is given by the Rio di Caprino. A stream that has dug a deep furrow to divide the highest peaks of Castelmezzano, the so-called "Murge" from the Little Dolomites. But if all this is not enough for you and you are looking for a strong emotion, then it's time to try your hand at "flight of the angel"! Suspended by a steel cable, you travel for a kilometer and a half between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa at a height of one thousand kilometers. An alternative point of view that completes the previous observations by giving dynamism and thrill.
