San Costantino Albanese

Located in the Lucania side of the Pollino Park, San Costantino Albanese lies in an area rich in woods and forests. The numerous viewpoints in the area open up to unique panoramas of the surrounding valleys.

Woods of oaks, hollies, turkey oaks and downy oaks criss-crossed by paths leading to places of great hiking interest such as the Sorgente Catusa, the Timpa di Pietrasasso and the nearby Acquafredda locality, with its large picnic area from where you can admire the landscape from Monte Caramola to the Sinni and Rubbio valleys.

The religious heritage is also of great interest. Not to be missed are the Mother Church of San Costantino and Elena, which houses a precious red copper baptistery, and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella, the patron saint of San Costantino Albanese. The Sanctuary, surrounded by turkey oaks and olive trees, stands on a pre-existing 10th-11th century Byzantine building and preserves valuable 17th century frescoes and paintings. During the second week of May, the Sanctuary comes alive with the ancient rite of the "Nusazit", in which papier-mâché puppets depicting newlyweds (nusazit) are blown up during the procession dedicated to the Virgin Mary in which the unmarried girls of the village participate.

San Costantino Albanese offers adventure lovers the chance to experience a unique thrill: the "Flight of the Eagle", a beautiful experience on a hang-glider attached to a steel cable that, covering a distance of 984 metres, covers a drop of almost 300 m at a speed of 80 km/h. A unique thrill through which to enjoy the scenic wonders of the Pollino National Park from above.