Two steps in the Middle Ages: From S.Stefano di Sessanio to Rocca Calascio
Abruzzo has 24 locations in the 'Most Beautiful Villages in Italy', medieval villages with significant historical and artistic value, which preserve vestiges of a past rich in history and in part still shrouded in mystery. Among these stands out Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a small village that is located within the Gran Sasso National Park, a place that has been able to maintain its medieval charm. Located within the Gran Sasso National Park and the Laga Mountains, the small village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a town of medieval origin that enchants thanks to its historical and architectural heritage. This fortified and perfectly preserved village is located at 1250 meters of altitude nestled between high Abruzzo peaks in a truly unique environmental and natural context. Historically, Santo Stefano di Sessanio developed from the fourteenth century when it became a thriving town that lived on agriculture and pastoralism. The city under the hegemony of the De' Medici became an important economic center of the Lordship of Florence for the flourishing trade in “carfagna” wool that was produced here and then processed in Tuscany and then sold throughout Europe.
Visiting Santo Stefano di Sessanio means taking a trip back in time as this small village has remained unchanged over time and looks like a small jewel to discover on foot. Considered one of the most beautiful villages not only in Abruzzo but in all of Italy, in Santo Stefano di Sessanio you can admire buildings built in white limestone and roofs made with coppi. Its historic center, characterized by an intertwined mave of alleys, leaves every visitor speechless not only for the stylistic homogeneity but also for the architectural decor present. A few kilometers from Santo Stefano di Sessanio you can admire the Castle of Rocca Calascio, one of the most famous attractions in the whole region.
Built on the behest of King Roger of Altavilla between 1140 and 1239 for purely defensive purposes, it stands in a strategic position that made it possible to control the Abruzzo valleys. This place, in fact, was a crucial military observation point that allowed you to spot any enemy attacks and was also in communication with the other watchtowers in the area.
The magical atmosphere that distinguishes this village, its history and the magnificent surrounding views have made Rocca Calascio not only a much sought-after destination in Abruzzo but also a perfect set where some famous directors have set scenes from famous films. Scenes from famous films such as Ladyhawke, The Octopus, The Name of the Rose and The American were shot here. Located at 1450 meters high on a high that surrounds the municipality of Calascio, the castle was built on the behest of King Roger of Altavilla between 1140 and 1239 for purely defensive purposes. Following the renovations carried out in the eighties, which allowed an architectural-functional recovery of the structure, the Castle can now be visited for free. From up there it is also possible to admire one of the most evocative views of Abruzzo that includes the main mountain groups of the Apennines. To the north, in fact, you can see the entire Gran Sasso chain, to the south-est the Majella and to the south-west the Sirente-Velino. For those who love walking, it is possible to reach Rocca Calascio from Santo Stefano di Sessanio through a panoramic and enchanting path. It is a route of about 12 km, 6 km one way with the possibility of taking a bus back.
There are also variants that allow you to make ring itineraries.
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