Caterina and Gianluca: the bouldering challenge in Southern Italy starting from Pietra del Toro

Sport climbing and bouldering are no longer niche disciplines: in recent years, they have experienced exponential growth, gaining enthusiasts across Italy and around the world. These are sports that require strength, technique, dedication, and above all, a deep connection with the environment. But beyond the physical and mental dimensions, these activities also represent an opportunity for regional development, especially in lesser-known areas. In this context, the story of Caterina Maiullari and Gianluca d’Ecclesis begins—a couple of boulderers who decided to bet on one of the key areas for bouldering in the heart of Southern Italy: Pietra del Toro. Lovers of nature, vertical challenges, and adventure, Caterina and Gianluca saw in the rocky walls and boulders of this area a potential that also shaped their life choices. Their passion for outdoor bouldering, combined with strong motivation, pushed them not only to explore, clean, map, and make new sectors accessible—which can become a true resource for the climbing community—but also to believe in a dream.

The dream: growing bouldering in the South

Their vision is clear: to prove that even the South, often less equipped and valued compared to historical areas in the North, can become a reference point for sport climbing in Italy. What drives them is the desire to help build a climbing culture that is tied to the territory, accessible, sustainable, and open to everyone. And this is possible by also investing in the construction of cutting-edge facilities, always up-to-date in terms of technology and equipment.

The opening of a new climbing gym

After months of preparation, construction has begun on a new climbing gym, strongly desired by them, which will host their dreams and ambitions. So we started following and supporting them in this process, which is expected to be completed on October 4, 2025.

For now, let’s enjoy the journey.