How would you imagine traveling between two ancient villages perched high in the mountains? Most people think of winding roads or steep hiking trails. But in one remarkable corner of southern Italy, people do it a very different way - by flying. That’s right: no bridges, no tunnels - just a single steel cable stretched across a wide mountain valley. Safely harnessed, you leap into the air and soar hundreds of meters above the ground in an experience that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable.

Welcome to Il Volo dell’Angelo, or the Angel’s Flight - an extraordinary zipline adventure connecting two of the most beautiful villages in the Basilicata region: Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano. These medieval towns are nestled in the Lucanian Dolomites, a rugged mountain range formed over 15 million years ago from ancient seabed rock. Today, they’re part of the Gallipoli Cognato – Lucanian Dolomites Regional Park and listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.”

Suspended nearly 400 meters (over 1,300 feet) above the ground, you’ll reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (about 75 mph) as you fly between peaks. It’s a heart-pounding thrill that combines fear, wonder, and pure adrenaline - all while taking in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Italy.

Once you land, the adventure doesn’t end. Both Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano are worth exploring in their own right. These tiny villages are carved into the mountains themselves, with winding stone alleys, terracotta rooftops, and views that stretch for miles. You can hike scenic trails, sample delicious local foods, or simply soak in the beauty of this hidden gem in southern Italy. The views from here aren’t just stunning - they’re the kind you’d expect only angels and birds to enjoy.

Whether you go solo or share the experience with a friend, the Angel’s Flight offers two launch points - either from Pietrapertosa, the highest town in Basilicata at 1,088 meters (3,570 feet), or from Castelmezzano, reached through a dramatic canyon and a tunnel carved directly into the rock. Each route offers a different perspective, but both deliver the same unforgettable sensation of flying.

The flight path is about 1,450 meters long (nearly a mile), and the ride lasts between one and one and a half minutes, depending on wind conditions, the participant’s weight, and whether the flight is done solo or in tandem. It’s not just about speed - it’s about the experience of soaring through the air in the middle of one of Italy’s most pristine natural landscapes.

And there’s even more to discover. The surrounding cliffs are home to unique geological formations sculpted over centuries by wind and rain. Locals have given them names like “the owl’s beak,” “the lion’s mouth,” “the anvil,” and “the golden eagle” - rock shapes that resemble natural sculptures, as if carved by an invisible hand. One highlight is the Norman Staircase, 54 narrow steps carved directly into a towering spire of rock, leading to a panoramic viewpoint over the Basento Valley.

The Angel’s Flight is more than just a zipline - it’s a symbol of how tradition and adventure can coexist in perfect harmony. It transforms the journey between two ancient villages into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So if you're looking for something beyond the usual tourist trail - something that lets you see Italy from a whole new angle - come to Basilicata and take the leap.

Three, two, one... and you're flying.