The bridge is named 'Ponte alla Luna' in honor of Rocco Petrone, a Sasso di Castalda native who was the director of NASA's Apollo 11 mission.
The bridge reaches a maximum height of 120 meters above the canyon floor.
The total length of the bridge is exactly 300 meters.
The bridge design uses a 'floating' anchor system that allows the structure to flex with wind currents.
The walkway consists of 800 individual steps made of steel and wood planks.
The Bridge to the Moon (Ponte alla Luna) is a single-span Tibetan-style suspension bridge located in the Lucanian Dolomites of Sasso di Castalda. Spanning 300 meters at a height of 120 meters above the Fosso Arenazzo, it provides a direct crossing between the village center and the ruins of the medieval castle. The structure is constructed with steel cables and wood planks, requiring participants to be secured with a harness and via ferrata set. This attraction is part of a larger trail system that includes the smaller Ponte Tibetano, which opened earlier as a pilot project for the site. Visitors must traverse the bridge on foot, experiencing significant vertical exposure over the ravine. The attraction is officially managed through a reservation system to regulate foot traffic on the suspension cables. It is integrated into the regional tourism initiative to revitalize the mountainous Basilicata region.
From the trail path leading up to the bridge entrance to capture the full scale of the span against the gorge.
Reserve your time slot online well in advance, as access is strictly limited to ensure safety and capacity control.
Wear footwear with high-traction rubber soles to maintain grip on the metal and wood planks.
If you have a fear of heights, test yourself on the smaller Ponte Tibetano located nearby before committing to the longer Ponte alla Luna.
Do not attempt the crossing without a pre-booked reservation, as walk-ins are frequently turned away; avoid visiting during high wind alerts.
Closed during winter months due to snow and high-wind risk; check official status for seasonal opening/closing dates which vary based on weather.
Harness and helmet are mandatory; follow the instructions of the safety staff at all times; do not bounce or swing the bridge cables.
