The northern viewpoint above the Sasso Barisano: the same view across roofs, courtyards and gorge as at the well-known terraces – only without the groups in front of it.
Where the viewpoint is
Via D’Addozio runs along the upper edge of the Sasso Barisano, where the upper town drops into the old district. There is no single signposted balcony; instead the view opens at several points along the street, over the parapet.
What you see from here
You look at the Barisano from the north: at the stepped roofs, which are at the same time the terraces of the houses below, at the bell towers among them, and further back at the edge of the Gravina. Because the angle differs from the usual postcard views, it becomes especially clear how tightly the houses interlock – they were not built side by side but on top of one another into the slope.
When the light is best
In the morning the Barisano is lit and the shadows trace the steps of the roofs. In the late afternoon the sun is behind you and lights the opposite edge; that is the quieter, warmer mood. At midday the view looks flat – then a walk down into the district is the better idea.
Why it is emptier here
The well-known viewpoints all lie to the south and east of the old town, within walking distance of the main lanes. Via D’Addozio, by contrast, is reached by a small detour along the northern edge. Take that detour and you often have the view to yourself – and a good chance of a photograph without other people’s heads in it.
On from here
- San Pietro Barisano – the largest rock church in the city, further down the same district
- Sasso Barisano – the district you are looking at
- Piazzetta Pascoli – the well-known counter-view on the other side
- Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio – another quiet viewpoint
