The Appiett' pathways
Several paths and tracks criss-cross the badlands of Montalbano. Particularly interesting are some of the very oldest, the mule tracks (the historical paths Appiett’) which long ago connected the centre of the town with the cultivated fields along the river Agri (this area is also called the Giardini, the so called Gardens). These tracks often followed the ancient transhumance routes walked by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
As result of modern motorized transport, the old mule tracks, walked since the foundation of the pre-Roman centre of Montalbano, have lost their importance and were sadly, subsequently abandoned.
Through the broken and rough terrain, the paths appiett’ wind along a very panoramic and hauntingly suggestive landscape, stretching from the valley of the Agri and the Ionian sea of the plain of Metaponto, to the mountains of the Pollino National Park.
Some pathways cross or overlook important geological and paleontological areas which, from a scientific point of view, make the Regional Reserve of Montalbano unique in the world. Moreover these appiett’ offer awesome and interesting hiking opportunities.
