Overview
Located on the Lucanian side of Pollino National Park, San Costantino Albanese is immersed in an area rich in woods and forests. A place rich in history , the village offers the opportunity to admire breathtaking views. In Tumbarino, a panoramic point of the town, you can admire the Rubbio Valley, with its forests of oaks, hollies, turkey oaks and downy oaks, or take paths that reach places of great hiking interest such as the "Sorgente Catusa" ("Catusa Spring"), surrounded by centuries-old beech trees, or the Timpa di Pietrasasso, a large tooth of basaltic rock that rises to the sky. A large picnic area in the nearby town of Acquafredda, on the other hand, allows visitors to admire the landscape ranging from Monte Caramola to the Sinni and Rubbio valleys.
San Costantino Albanese boasts a religious heritage of great interest. The "Chiesa Madre di San Costantino ed Elena" ("Mother Church of St. Constantine and Helen") (17th century), in Baroque style, in the main square of the village, decorated on the façade with majolica tiles depicting the saint, St. Peter and St. Paul, has a red copper baptistery inside and various paintings dating from the 16th to the 18th century. The symbol of the town is perhaps the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella, Protector of San Costantino Albanese. Built in the 17th century on a pre-existing 10th–11th century Byzantine building, it preserves 17th-century frescoes attributed to Belisario Corenzio, a painting depicting "la Madonna della Stella" ("Our Lady of the Star"), and a precious Baroque altar. The surrounding area also contains treasures of art, history and culture: in Lupariello, you can admire the remains of the Baronial Monastery of Santa Maria della Saectara, while in Acquafredda, there is the Chapel of the Madonna della Conselva.
Attending the festivities in honor of the Madonna della Stella in the second week of May is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of this village. During the procession dedicated to the Madonna, the ancient rite is repeated, the "Nusazit", in which papier-mâché puppets depicting the newlyweds (nusazit) are exploded with firecrackers.
For adventure lovers, the unique experience of the "Volo dell'Aquila" ("Flight of the Eagle") is not to be missed: ride the 984-meter-long steel cable with a hang glider, carrying up to four passengers, which reaches a descent speed of 80 km/h. A unique thrill to enjoy from above the scenic wonders that the Pollino National Park has to offer.
85030 San Costantino Albanese PZ, Italia
