In the Lucanian Dolomites of Basilicata, two medieval villages — Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa — face each other across a gorge 400 meters deep. In 2007, someone strung a steel cable between them and created the Volo dell'Angelo (Flight of the Angel): a zipline that carries you, suspended in a harness, from one village to the other at speeds up to 120 km/h, 400 meters above the valley floor. The flight takes about 90 seconds. You launch from a platform on one village, soar across the gorge with the Lucanian Dolomite spires below, and land on a platform in the other village. The sensation — wind, speed, the valley opening beneath you, and the medieval village growing larger as you approach — is addictive. Most people immediately take the return flight. Basilicata guide →
Plan my Basilicata adventure →San Martino line (Castelmezzano → Pietrapertosa): 1,415m long, maximum speed 120 km/h, 400m altitude above the valley. The scarier of the two — you launch from higher and go faster. Peschiere line (Pietrapertosa → Castelmezzano): 1,452m long, maximum speed 110 km/h. Slightly gentler gradient but equally stunning scenery. Most people do both — round trip €40. Single flight €30. Two people can fly simultaneously on parallel cables — race your friend across the gorge.
The villages: Both Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are extraordinary — medieval houses carved into and clinging to Dolomite rock spires. Castelmezzano was named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy (Borghi più belli d'Italia). The Via Ferrata delle Sette Pietre (Seven Stones route) connects the two villages on foot via a trail with fixed cables through the gorge — 2-3 hours, some exposure, stunning. A calmer alternative to the zipline for those who prefer feet on rock.
Booking: volodellangelo.com. Book 3-7 days ahead in summer (weekends sell out). €30 single, €40 round trip. Requirements: weight 35-120kg, age 16+ (under 16 with parental consent). No health conditions that preclude intense experiences. Hours: April-October, daily (weather permitting — cancelled in high wind or rain). Getting there: car from Matera (1h), Potenza (45min), Bari (2h). No public transport. Stay: Castelmezzano (€40-70/night — B&Bs in medieval houses), Pietrapertosa (€35-65). Eat: Al Becco della Civetta (Castelmezzano — local cuisine in a rock-carved restaurant, €25-35). Combine with: Matera (1h), Appennino Lucano (you're in it), Vulture wine (1.5h north).