Between history, myth and legends: discovering Rocca Calascio

The famous castle of Rocca Calascio, a splendid medieval village and a beautiful and evocative geographic location: these are just some of the reasons to visit the area of Calascio, an Abruzzi municipality located within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

Surrounded by incredible natural scenery such as the Gran Sasso d'Italia mountain chain, the Campo Imperatore plateau and the nearby Tirino valley and Altopiano dei Navelli, this locality is made famous by the presence of the majestic castle of Rocca Calascio. Situated at an altitude of about 1,500 m, this fortification rises solemnly above its surroundings and dominates the ancient and now uninhabited adjacent village, with which it forms a single fortified complex.

The structure, with a square plan and made entirely of white stone, is composed of a central keep, probably pre-existing, a crenellated circle of walls and four circular towers placed at the corners. Thanks to its favourable position, this building was used for military purposes and as an important observation point for defence purposes. Subject to a series of restorations in the late 1980s, the castle can now be visited free of charge.

It is interesting to recall that the castle of Rocca Calascio was the natural set of several films, including 'Lady Hawke' with M. Pfeiffer and R. Hauer and 'The Name of the Rose' with Sean Connery.

Also worth visiting in the area is the Church of S. Maria della Pietà, built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Situated close to the ancient abandoned village, elegant and evocative, it presents itself with the severe architectural features of the 16th century and is still visited by many devotees.

Rocca Calascio is therefore unquestionably a magnificent place to visit thanks to its history, fortunate geographic location and the exceptional landscape that frames it.