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technical info
The route
A stage across the Apennines, taking in two long and manageable ascents up the mountains of Basilicata. At first, the route runs along a fast road, then it tackles two categorised climbs, twisting continuously both up- and downwards, with steady gradients around 5‑6%.
The last 15 km rise steeply all the way to the plateau, where the road levels out over the final 4 km.
Final kilometres
The Colle Molella climb (9.9 km at 6.0%) ends 3 km before the finish. Past Bagnoli Irpino, the route ascends in hairpins for 3 km, with gradients around 10% and peaking out at 12%. The last 3 km are flat or slope downward, taking a wide bend around Lago Laceno. The home straight (300 m) is on 7 m wide tarmac. Before reaching Bagnoli Irpino, the route passes over the tracks of two inactive level crossings, on a counter‑sloping stretch.
start / finish
climb detail
final kilometres
itinerary timetable
tourist info
Host city:
Venosa
Overview
Venosa is a casket of stories and treasures, some clearly visible, others kept in the land, only partially excavated. It stands upon in N-E of Basilicata Region, on one of the last hills that slope down from Vulture Mount towards the Ofanto valley, in a varied landscape that has favored human settlement since prehistoric times.
Food
Venosa’s gastronomy has a history that comes from afar.
…inde domum me ad porri et ciceris refero laganique catinum (I’m going home to my bowl of leeks, chickpeas and lagane) as Quintus Horatius Flaccus, also known as Horace, wrote in 35 B.C. (Satire 1.6). With his love for humble and healthy food, he was the precursor of the Mediterranean diet.
- Lagane and chickpeas: fresh durum wheat semolina pasta, similar to tagliatelle, but wider and shorter, cooked together with chickpeas, topped with crunchy crusco peppers. It is a first dish that can still be tasted in the city’s restaurants
- Past’ e tar’ cucòzz: pasta with talli di zucca (a vegetable similar to broccoli) and peeled tomatoes.
- Orecchiette all’oraziana: orecchiette pasta with sausage cooked in tomato sauce and served with mozzarella, cheese and, optionally, a pinch of chilli pepper.
- Brodetto di agnello alla pastora: a timbale of lamb, eggs and cardoons, which can be eaten in every home in Venosa on Easter Monday.
- Cod fish with crusco peppers: boiled cod fish with crusco peppers fried in EVO oil.
Typical Desserts
- Pizzicanelli: these are rhombus-shaped biscuits made with cocoa, chocolate, almonds and cinnamon.
- Raffaiul: made with egg yolks, sugar and then glazed. Until the 1970s, they were the typical desserts served during wedding banquets.
- La past d la zeit: a fluffy mixture of eggs, flour, sugar and cream of tartar, filled of a special cream with a sweet vanilla flavour.
- Cooked Grain of the Dead: dessert for 2nd November, Day of the Dead. Pearl wheat, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, cooked fig wine.
- Cauzincidd’: puff pastry filled with chickpeas and chestnuts. This is a popular Christmas dessert.
- Pettole: a mixture of flour and yeast fried in hot oil and then sweetened.
Beverages
Venosa is one of the municipalities in the Vulture area where the fine “VULTURE DOP” extra virgin olive oil is produced, which is obtained by pressing at least 70% “Ogliarola del Vulture” olives.
Venosa’s wine, Aglianico del Vulture, is among the top DOCG red wines in Italy.
The vine, one of the oldest in Italy, was originally imported by the Greeks in the 7th-6th century B.C. in the area of the Mount Vulture extinct volcano. This wine has an intense, velvety taste and it ranks among the great international wines.
Most of all, Aglianico del Vulture is associated with the Latin poet Horace, the first wine expert in history. His verse “nunc est bibendum” (now we must drink) (Odes, I, 37, 1) has become an immortal motto for those who, after achieving success, raise their glass
Points of Interest
In Venosa, every historical period is represented by direct evidence of great value, starting with those present in the Paleolithic park of Notarchirico, where fossil remains of ancient elephants and other prehistoric animals, dating back to 700,000 years ago , lie buried by the ashes of the Vulture, the nearby extinct volcano.
The excavations of the Roman age, with the domus, the baths and the amphitheater with its gladiatorial school, recall the ancient and rich Venusia, a Latin colony, home of the poet Quinto Orazio Flacco, a rich and dynamic Roman commercial hub crossed by the Regina Viarum , Via Appia. A few kilometers from the town, you can admire the Jewish catacombs, an extraordinary example of coexistence and integration between cultures, a burial place where Christians and Jews rested next to each other. The early Christian period is well testified by the first cathedral, whose remains are still visible in the archaeological park. The Middle Ages can be perceived in the solemn and timeless art of the Benedictine abbey of the Holy Trinity and in the evocative Incompiuta, a church never completed, in which the great past of the colony resurfaces in the reuse of worked stones of the classical age, inserted among its walls. In the current cathedral, located in the center of the city and in a series of noble and ecclesiastical buildings, there is great architectural and artistic refinement. Then many illustrious personalities protagonists of important historical events, writers, artists. Roberto il Guiscardo is buried in Venosa with his brothers and his first wife Aberada; King Manfredi, natural son of Frederico II and Bianca Lancia was born in Venosa. Prince Carlo Gesualdo, famous throughout Europe, was born in the Aragonese Castle, built by Pirro del Balzo.
Today the historic center of Venosa, one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, keeps over two thousand years of history along its streets. A real open-air museum in which two distinct museum offerings are also integrated: the National Archaeological Museum “Mario Torelli” housed in the long basement walkway of the Pirro del Balzo castle, and the Episcopal Museum which is located next to the Co-Cathedral of Sant’Andrea Apostolo. The first tells the story of the city of Venosa and its territory, from the foundation of the Latin colony in 291 BC. to the explosion of the Renaissance city, expressed by the construction of the castle in 1470. The new Museum itinerary makes use of a narrative system that uses interactive technological solutions and multimedia supports. The second is set up in the rooms of the ancient Episcopio. The exhibition rooms are spread over two floors and contain a precious and varied heritage inside. From pictorial works, such as the valuable icon of the Madonna dell’Idria of the thirteenth century, to sculptural ones, from silverware to splendid textile artefacts, to stone finds, it will allow the visitor a historical-artistic excursus of considerable importance.
Lago Laceno
Overview
The town of Bagnoli Irpino is in a valley surrounded by mountains, some of which exceed 1700 meters of altitude, such as Mount Cervialto and Mount Raiamagra. It is a sunny location with not too rigid climate, quiet and popular tourist destination, well connected with the motorway network.
It has ca 3200 inhabitants and lies about 650 meters above sea level. Its mountains border with the mountainous area of Nusco, Lioni, Caposele, Calabritto, Acerno and Montella. Part of the territory is wooded, some other is cultivated and the rest is herbiferous for grazing herds, which constituted the main industries and economic resources of the township. On its mountains you can admire some amazing points, which have nothing to envy the mountains of Switzerland, and among them there is the plateau of Laceno at 1040 meters above sea level, which is crossed by the perennial stream of the Tornola, which collects to form a pond at the foot of Mount Raiamagra, and that finally through a natural tunnel flows into the Caliendo Ravine, one of the offshoots of the Calore River.
Bagnoli was built before 1000 A.C., as a fortified town to defend the Lombard Duchy of Salerno. At the time of the of Federico II, Diopold of Hohenburg, German captain, makes it a center of strategic importance. The village became a square of arms, surrounded by powerful walls and equipped with a formidable castle, located on the hill called Serra, and dominating the upper valley of the Calore River.
The artistic beauties of Bagnoli Irpino have also been in the past of a remarkable taste and value. For centuries it was “Demanio Regio” until the time of the Aragonese it was given as a fief, as along as Montella and Cassano, to the Cavaniglia family (Spanish relatives of the Orsini). During this period the country experienced the most remarkable benefits of progress and renewal, several productive initiatives were improved and enlarged.
In addition to the herds industry, which the Aragonese favored considerably, silkworm farming and especially the production, the spinning and the coloring of textiles arose in this period; the famous “Pezza Bagnolese” for centuries was an important head of bridal goods. Meeting place of the academics Pontaniani, Bagnoli, inspired the Sannazzaro poet, who drew several thoughts for his poem “ARCADIA” from these places.
Erected as a duchy in 1611, it was held in fief by the Maiorca – Strozzi family until 1806 when feudalism was abolished. Being jealous custodians and proud of their freedom, the Bagnolese always imposed the oath of “Chapters”, rules and privileges concerning uses and customs on the state property by the population.
The country for its future is all about tourism that is considered the only real resource for the local development.
Food
Cheese
Sheep and cattle breeding is an important resource for Bagnoli Irpino. Moreover, the environmental context in which the animals live guarantee an excellent milk, therefore outstanding cheeses and a tasty meat. Among the cheeses we find excellent pecorino (also flavored with truffle), a fresh ricotta with a delicate taste, dried ricotta with chili, an excellent podolic caciocavallo.
Black Truffle of Bagnoli Irpino and products with truffles
The Black Truffle of Bagnoli Irpino (scientific name is “Tuber mesentericum”) is very appreciated for its unmistakable aroma. With the Tartufo di Bagnoli Irpino are produced typical flavored cheeses, such as a very valuable butter also used for the preparation of croutons and pasta, meat or fish dishes. In addition, “Tartufo di Bagnoli Irpino” is used for alcoholic preparations: grappa and liqueurs.
The Chestnut of Montella IGP
The territory of Bagnoli Irpino is part of the production area of the “Castagna di Montella I.G.P”, which also includes the territories of the Municipality of Montella, Cassano Irpino, Volturara Irpina, Nusco and Montemarano. This quality of chestnuts is very appreciated, especially abroad. With a particularly sweet taste, it is ideal for pastry: “castagnaccio”, chocolate chestnut balls and many other products. In addition, the chestnut processing industry produces “Castagne del prete” (dried and then softened), “marronata” and flour.
Mushrooms and other forest products
In the chestnut groves surrounding Bagnoli, from 700 meters up to 1809 of Mount Cervialto, in the beech woods, there are: the porcine in its various aspects (Boletus Reticulatus, Boletus Edulis, etc.), the nails, the hen, the egg and others. The period runs from May to September and depends on the climate, altitude and humus richness of the woodland. There is no other vegetable so appreciated as this product. Its particular flavor, the unmistakable scent, the different fine varieties make it a food celebrated by gourmets and appreciated by all palates. To collect mushrooms, you must have a badge so if you do not have it, you can buy them from authorized people, who personally goes to collect them at the first sunrise.
Points of interest
Norman-Swabian Castle
With the Normans, Bagnoli Irpino was held as a fief by the descendants of the D’Aquino family, Counts of Acerra. With the advent of the House of Swabia, the county of Bagnoli, Montella and Cassano remained to the German captain Diopoldo de Schweispeunt, who had ousted the old lords. The new feudal lord, fearing the revenge of the old owners, built his castle on the hill called “Serra”. This fort later passed to the Cavaniglia family.
Alleys of the historical center – La Giudecca
The historic center, called Giudecca, is located behind the Duomo. The name comes from settlers of Jewish origin who first inhabited it and represents the first large settlement of Bagnoli Irpino. It is a medieval village built around the old Longobard castle of the VII century of which you can still see the ruins. The village has the Spanish architectural features.
Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The first church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta was built around the XII century on the hill of Giudecca where the first town of Bagnoli arose. In the XVI century the church was enlarged, as it appears currently. In fact, what was the length became the width then, while it was entirely rebuilt the structure with the current main entrance, the presbytery, the choir and the apse. The church is 53 meters long, 28 meters wide and has 3 naves and 2 transepts, the internal structure represents a Latin cross. Inside there are numerous paintings and sculptures by well-known artists from Bagnoli, such as La Decollazione di S. Giovanni Battista and L’Addolorata by Andrea D’Asti, a canvas depicting the Immaculate Conception that protects Bagnoli, by Gustavo Trillo; the picture of the Conception of the Virgin with S. Luca and S. Nicola di Bari, The Trinity and Saints by Giacomo Cestaro, a sculpture of S. Francesco da Paola still by Cestaro, a dead Christ by the famous Domenico De Venuta and the artistic walnut niche where the statue of the Immaculate Conception is kept, with two candlesticks on the sides finely worked by the artist Erminio Trillo. Among the many works of art that can be found here, the Wooden Choir is a masterpiece of carving.
The wooden choir
Executed between 1652 and 1657 by the artists Scipione Infante, Gian Domenico, Giovanni Angiolo Della Vecchia and Giacomo Bonavita, known as Capoccia di Lauro. This work of art is presented on all three sides of the choir, the fourth is represented by the altar with two side entrances. is majestic, composed of 19 rectangular stalls in which are illustrated in high reliefs episodes of the Old Testament and bas-reliefs of the New. It is a masterpiece of sculpture, a carving in the national walnut wood, declared a national monument in 1912.
Church of S. Domenico
The church and monastery of San Domenico, built in 1490, was initially called Santa Maria di Loreto. Later, at request of the countess, Margherita Orsini and Giulia Caracciolo, the convent was dedicated to San Domenico. Over the years, thanks to the will of our illustrious fellow citizen, Friar Ambrogio Salvio, the convent was enlarged, and a student house was born that generated in Bagnoli a forge of culture. Characteristic and majestic the bell tower, about 30 meters high by the architectural structure. In fact, its structure is quadrangular for two planes, while the upper part is octagonal.
Civic Tower and Gavitone fountain
The Civic Tower, commonly called the Clock Tower, is a building of the XV century. At the base there is the Fountain of Gavitone, on the corner of the Court House. Further below above the pipes there is a noble shield that brings together the coats of arms of three families: Cavaniglia, Orsini and Caracciolo. The square the fountain was the old town centre. On the west side there is an evocative plant of hornbeam about 300 years old, born and grow up in the wall.
Laceno Plateau
It is situated about 1000 meters above sea level about 8 km from Bagnoli Irpino, surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Regional Park of Monti Picentini (province of Avellino and Salerno, Campania). The lake, which takes its name from the town, is fed by the Tronola River, rises from the beginning of the plateau and spreads around the town. It is also surrounded by forests, pastures and areas dedicated to agriculture. In Laceno area there are the beautiful caves of Caliendo, which are the subject of study from speleologists and lovers. There is a project going on to open the caves to the public. The area of accommodation is mainly concentrated near the ski resort, which contributes greatly to making the place a popular tourist destination in winter. However, every season in Laceno has interesting proposals. Throughout the year, Laceno offers relaxation, fun, sport, culture and gastronomy. Sports activities, in addition to skiing and other winter sports, go from hiking to horseback riding, from archery to mountain biking and in addition you can make guided excursions. This amazing place is also ideal for school trips because, in addition to being able to get in touch with a more natural dimension, children can deepen their knowledge through guided tours to the Forest Nursery. For them, there are also amusement parks with inflatables, slopes and other equipment. In Laceno there are also festivals of local products.
Tannera River
The territory of Bagnoli Irpino is rich of water springs, streams and torrents sometimes winding and bumpy, sometimes calm and silent. The Tannera River is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the area and therefore is a destination for hikers and mountain lovers. You go down on foot along an easy path and you enter a untouched environment, among small waterfalls and natural basins. Some parts of the path are arduous and difficult. The place is the ideal habitat of the spotted salamander, which is an excellent biological indicator of the “state of health” of the environment.
