The landscape here looks a bit different from the previous stages, with a stretch that passes through a wooded area where you’ll also find a large picnic spot. The ups and downs gradually even out as you get closer to Miglionico. From above, you can see Lake San Giuliano — the same one I had walked along during the last stage of the Via Peuceta — and before you know it, you’ve reached your destination.

In Miglionico you find the only castle that I found on the Via Lucana, a simple structure but welcoming in the center of the village. It is managed by Antonio, the person responsible for the stage, who has done everything he could to make pilgrims welcome.

Because of a broken aqueduct, the entire town — and the nearby ones too — were without running water (in fact, when we woke up that morning, the taps were already dry back in Pomarico). Antonio kindly took us to his home so we could freshen up — he has backup water tanks. But that’s not all: he treated us to a delicious snack, gave us some homemade food for dinner, and even left panettone and sparkling wine waiting for us at the hostel (it was December 31st, after all).

And it didn’t stop there! That evening, he spent more of his time guiding us through a visit to the Castle of Malconsiglio — a place surprisingly full of history, legends, and an almost magical atmosphere.
In short, he’s a truly kindhearted person who loves his land, believes in the Cammino Materano project, and perfectly embodies how warm and welcoming the people of Lucania can be.