Nature trails: the San Fele Waterfalls
The San Fele Waterfalls are located in the Matise locality of San Fele and are the result of the branching of the Bradano Stream that flows from the Lucanian Apennines.
The Bradanello Stream, coming from the Lucanian Apennines, flows through Matise di San Fele, joins the fiumara di Atella and finally flows into the Ofanto River, which flows into the Adriatic Sea.
As it travels through the San Fele area, the stream makes spectacular jumps, giving rise to the beautiful San Fele Falls, also known as “U uattenniere” in Basilicata. This name comes from the Gualchiera, a machine used to process wool in the old mills built near the falls (along with the remains of ancient mills). These buildings were designed to harness the power of water.
Several trails lead from the village of San Fele to the waterfalls, offering the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and pass through ancient wharves, old mills and quiet forests.
Routes and Trekking: There are several options for reaching San Fele Falls. A list of available trails is available on the official San Fele Falls website.
“U URTONE” Trail – Green Trail: This trail, about 2 km long, can be covered in about an hour. It starts from the village of San Fele and leads to the falls. Along the trail, you can see the 22-meter-high U Urtone waterfall located in the Corbola valley. Along the way, it runs alongside the Bradano Stream, where concrete structures and stone gabions that serve to mitigate water erosion, built between the 1950s and 1960s, are visible. In addition, the remains of an ancient mill can be observed.
The Paradise: This is a short trail that allows you to reach the falls in only 10 minutes. The uniqueness of this place lies in its absolute silence and the quiet sound of flowing water.
Le Gemelle: Walking a short path of about 300 meters, you can admire the twin waterfalls, so called because they originate from the meeting of two streams: the Bradano and the Acquafredda.
Il Ponte Trail: The Il Ponte Trail is the longest of the four, with a length of 4.5 km taking about 4 hours to complete. Departing from San Fele, you enter unspoiled nature and cross a bridge built in the 1920s.
Contacts: Address: Via Aldo Moro 13, 85020 San Fele (PZ) WhatsApp: 371 435 9379 E-mail: info@cascatedisanfele.com Facebook: cascatedisanfele
