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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
Italy
Basilicata
Potenza
Nemoli

On the old railroad in Castelluccio Superiore

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
Italy
Basilicata
Potenza
Nemoli

On the old railroad in Castelluccio Superiore

Hard

3.0

(1)

14

riders

On the old railroad in Castelluccio Superiore

02:29

35.9km

670m

Cycling

The tour begins at Lake Sirino, a natural jewel nestled in a karst sinkhole, perfect for a moment of relaxation before setting off. From here, the itinerary transforms into a fascinating journey back in time, following the route of the historic Lagonegro-Spezzano Albanese narrow-gauge railway. Along the way, you'll encounter fascinating relics such as the former Lauria station and the iron bridge, the latter a panoramic point offering unique views.

The itinerary culminates with the discovery of two extraordinary gems. The first is Castelluccio Superiore, a medieval village that welcomes you with its ancient charm and serves as a veritable terrace overlooking the Pollino National Park. Visit its historic center and its botanical riches at the Ethnobotanical Conservatory. The second is the Helical Tunnel. This early 20th-century masterpiece, nearly 500 meters long, allowed trains to quickly overcome the difference in altitude through an underground spiral, the entrance to which you can admire. Remember to bring your bike lights before entering the tunnel!

Once you reach Castelluccio Inferiore, don't miss the final details, such as the Bosco Difesa, perfect for a picnic and enjoying the fresh spring water, or the original 3D anamorphic mural, which plays with visual illusion and memory. Since the route is linear and follows the former railway line, the most evocative way to complete the hike is to return along the same route.

by

Last updated: December 19, 2025

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Parco Nazionale dell'Appennino Lucano-Val d'Agri-Lagonegrese

Parco Nazionale del Pollino

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

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1

573 m

Lake Sirino

Highlight • Lake

Lake Sirino is not artificial, but a souvenir of an ancient lake in the Valle del Noce. The waters are enclosed in a sinkhole. A very suggestive place!

Translated by Google •

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2

11.3 km

Former Lauria station

Highlight • Structure

The old Lauria station is part of the historic Lagonegro-Spezzano Albanese narrow-gauge line, inaugurated in sections between 1915 and 1931 and operating until the 1970s. This branch of the railway crossed the picturesque landscapes of southwestern Basilicata, connecting small villages and navigating challenging terrain with rack railway sections and numerous viaducts.

Translated by Google •

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3

24.1 km

Railway Bridge Path

Highlight • Bridge

The Iron Bridge of the old Lauria railway, located near the Lauria Alta cemetery, owes its name to its proximity to this site. This metal bridge is a historical reminder of the passage of the Lagonegro-Spezzano Albanese railway, which bypassed the town of Lauria Alta with impressive engineering structures, such as viaducts and tunnels. Today, the bridge is part of the cycle/pedestrian path that follows the old railway line, representing a strong link between the local industrial heritage and the surrounding natural landscape, offering a fascinating perspective on the history and memory of the area.

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4

26.0 km

Castelluccio Superiore

Highlight • Settlement

Castelluccio Superiore, nestled in the picturesque Mercure Valley, welcomes you with a historic center brimming with medieval charm, cobbled alleys, and panoramic views of the Pollino National Park. Strolling among ancient stone houses and intimate squares, you'll discover a true "terrace" overlooking the valley below, where history and nature intertwine. The village is home to the Ethnobotanical Conservatory, a research and documentation center dedicated to applied botany and ethnobotany, a hub for scholars and visitors interested in local herbal traditions and the promotion of biodiversity.

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5

33.7 km

Ecoidal gallery

Highlight • Structure

It is a masterpiece of early twentieth-century railway engineering.
The Castelluccio Superiore Helical Tunnel, 485.59 meters long, is one of the very few spiral tunnels in Italy. Built between 1915 and 1931 on the historic Lagonegro–Spezzano Albanese line of the Ferrovie Calabro Lucane (FCL), it represents an extraordinary example of mountain railway engineering.
Bring lights and a jacket to travel through it.

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B

35.9 km

Mural in Piazza San Nicola

Highlight • Monument

The mural in Castelluccio Inferiore is truly special: it is not a simple decorative fresco, but a 3D anamorphic work that blends memory, landscape, and visual illusionism.

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

19.0 km

11.1 km

4.35 km

1.24 km

262 m

Surfaces

23.4 km

11.0 km

1.50 km

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (840 m)

Lowest point (470 m)

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Weather

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Saturday 18 July

32°C

22°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Comments

November 18, 2025

The tour begins at Lake Sirino, a natural jewel nestled in a karst sinkhole, perfect for a moment of relaxation before setting off. From here, the itinerary transforms into a fascinating journey back in time, following the route of the historic Lagonegro-Spezzano Albanese narrow-gauge railway. Along

Translated by Google •

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