Pignola​

Latest page update: 16 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Pignola
Pignola, in the Province of Potenza, is a hill town close to the Gallipoli Cognato Piccole Dolomiti Lucane Regional Park. Local accommodation is mostly smaller residences, so for established hotels the best options are found in nearby Potenza.
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In Potenza, Grande Albergo Potenza provides modern rooms in a central location, often praised for comfort and convenience (€€). Also in the city, Tourist Hotel Potenza offers straightforward accommodation with a restaurant and bar, regularly noted for practicality and service (€€). Another option is Park Hotel Potenza, which features spacious rooms, meeting facilities and consistent guest feedback for comfort (€€).

Where is

Where is Pignola?
​The town of Pignola is situated within the Province of Matera and has a population of 6,953 inhabitants.

​Standing at an elevation of 927 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 56 km². The town has four hotels while nearby places of interest include Potenza, Satriano di Lucania, Brienza and Muro Lucano.
Comune di Pignola
Province: Potenza

Region: Basilicata

Population: 6,807 (in 2024 - source)

​​​​Size: 56 km²

Elevation: 927 metres

Close by: Potenza, Satriano di Lucania, Brienza, Muro Lucano​

Recommended accommodation: ​La Piana Hotel (10 km)

What People Ask About Pignola, Basilicata

Is Pignola worth visiting?
Yes, Pignola is worth visiting for its medieval old town, perched on a hillside near Potenza, and for its proximity to the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Lucano. It is also well known for the nearby Pantano di Pignola nature reserve, a popular spot for birdwatching.
How do I get to Pignola?
Pignola is about 10 kilometres from Potenza and can be reached by car in around 15 minutes via the SS92 road. The closest railway station is in Potenza, with onward travel by local buses or taxi.
What are the main attractions in Pignola?
Attractions include the historic centre with its stone houses and churches, the Church of San Donato, and the Pantano di Pignola, a protected wetland rich in birdlife. The surrounding Appennino Lucano parkland offers trails and mountain scenery.
When is the best time to visit Pignola?
Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, with mild weather for exploring the town and nature reserve. Summer is lively with local events, while winter brings snow to the surrounding mountains.
How long should I stay in Pignola?
A half-day visit is enough to explore the old town and the Pantano di Pignola. A full day is recommended for those wanting to combine the historic centre with walks in the Appennino Lucano National Park.
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Discover

Discover Pignola
Pignola is a mountain town in the province of Potenza, set within the Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri Lagonegrese National Park in central Basilicata. It stands on a ridge overlooking the Basento Valley, surrounded by forests, lakes, and rolling hills. The old town, with its narrow lanes and traditional stone buildings, rises in tiers along the hillside, offering wide views over the countryside and towards the Monte Pierfaone range.
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Notable landmarks include the Mother Church of San Nicola, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and several historic palaces that reflect its long history. The nearby Pantano di Pignola, a natural lake and nature reserve, provides a habitat for migratory birds and opportunities for walking and cycling. Local life remains closely tied to agriculture and seasonal festivals celebrating Lucanian food and culture. Pignola’s proximity to Potenza makes it an accessible destination for exploring the mountain landscapes of Basilicata.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Pignola
  • Pignola is a village set amid rolling hills and wooded landscapes in Basilicata. Its streets wind past traditional stone houses and small piazzas. The village offers views across agricultural land and distant mountains. Walking here reveals a community closely connected to its natural surroundings and rural heritage.
  • Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista stands at the village centre, featuring a modest façade and an interior decorated with religious artworks. The church remains a focal point for Pignola’s spiritual and community life.
  • Castello di Pignola, now largely in ruins, occupies a hilltop overlooking the village. The remains offer insights into the area’s medieval past and strategic importance. Visitors can explore the site and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Local artisan workshops and markets showcase Pignola’s crafts and agricultural products, including olive oil and wine. These markets offer visitors a chance to experience local traditions and tastes directly.
  • Guided nature and cultural tours around Pignola lead visitors through village streets, historic sites, and nearby natural areas. Local guides share stories of rural customs, architectural heritage, and regional history. Tours often include tastings of local cheeses, wines, and traditional Basilicata dishes. Exploring reveals Pignola’s blend of heritage and countryside charm.

Tours and Activities

Pignola Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Basilicata Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Basilicata

1. ​Matera
2. Craco
3. ​Maratea
4. Melfi 
5. Pietrapertosa 
6. ​Sant'Angelo Le Fratte
7. Venosa
8. Pollino National Park
9. ​Satriano di Lucania
10. Castelmezzano ​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Basilicata

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Pignola
By Rail: Pignola does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Potenza, about 10 kilometres away, on the Foggia–Salerno line operated by Trenitalia. Regional and intercity trains connect Potenza to Salerno in around 1 hour and 20 minutes and to Foggia in about 2 hours. From Potenza, local buses and taxis run frequently to Pignola.

By Road: Pignola is located in the province of Potenza, about 10 kilometres south of Potenza. The drive takes roughly 15 minutes via the SS92. From Matera, the distance is about 100 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS407 and SS92. The town lies near the Pantano di Pignola Nature Reserve, and parking is available close to the centre and near the park’s visitor area.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Naples–Capodichino International Airport: Situated about 160 kilometres west of Pignola, with a drive of around 2 hours and 20 minutes via the A16 motorway. This is the most convenient airport, offering frequent domestic and international flights.
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Located roughly 170 kilometres northeast, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car via the SS407. It provides regular flights across Italy and Europe.
  • Brindisi Salento Airport: Approximately 220 kilometres east, with a journey time of about 3 hours via the SS7. It serves several Italian and European destinations.

Private Transfers

Pignola Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Pignola, offering a direct journey without the need to drive or depend on public transport. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional local driver.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the most suitable option for arrivals and departures, with easy road access through Potenza and the surrounding hill areas. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Tito, Abriola, and Brienza, or to other towns and villages across central Basilicata.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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