Monte San Biagio Monte San Biagio 644 m Primary factor 114 m Italy Location: North 39.98775, East 015.72060 (GPS at the summit) Difficulty: YDS class 1 Climbed August 1. 2017.

Information:

How to get there:
This mountain, with a big white statue on its top, is overlooking the town of Maratea on the west coast of Italy, just north of Calabria. From Maratea, take the road that climbs the peak with several hair-pin curves. The upper part of the road is quite fancy with a bridge construction that runs in a knot with more hair-pin curves. This upper part is normally closed to traffic and there is a pay-parking area. This location is at N39.98796, E015.72582, elevation about 570 meter.

Route description:
A shuttle bus (for a small charge) can take you further. However, it is a really short walk on foot. Walk up the first part of the road, then leave it (left) where steps and an obvious short-cut provides direct access to the summit area. Reconnect with the road near the church and walk the remaining short distance to the big statue.
Comments:
This mountain with its flood-lighted statue was overlooking our hotel Santavenere at the coast below Maratea. It was an obvious target for a small excursion.
We started around 1320 and spent about 20 minutes walking up to the summit. The summit provided a very good view back down to our hotel. Later, we bought post cards and a cold drink, just like any other tourist. We eventually walked back down to the car parking, this time on the quite fancy road. Here is also a nice place to look down at the central part of Maratea. The entire trip took about one hour.

Resources:

• Images

  • Landscape, as seen from Monte Biagio.