Santo Stefano di Sessanio: the village in the heart of the Gran Sasso

Perched at over 1,200 meters above sea level in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of the most fascinating and best-preserved villages in Abruzzo.

The name Sessanio probably derives from Sextantio, a small Roman settlement located six miles from the pagus of Marco, an important center of the Aquilan plateau. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the area experienced gradual depopulation. In 760, the Lombard king Desiderius donated Carapelle to the monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno, thus linking the history of Santo Stefano to that of the monastic world. In 1308, the first sources mention the fortified village. In 1474, sheep farming reached its peak thanks to transhumance. From 1579 to 1743, under the Medici, Santo Stefano prospered as a center for the production of lana carfagna wool. After the Unification of Italy, the village began to decline.

What to see in Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of the most charming villages in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, built entirely of white limestone, now weathered by time. The ancient tiled roofs create an architectural harmony visible from the so-called “Medici tower,” which overlooks an intact urban fabric. Considered among the most beautiful villages in Abruzzo, it preserves a perfect stylistic and environmental homogeneity. Its streets, accessible only on foot, range from steep stairways to narrow cobbled alleys winding between houses, to covered passages once used to shelter from the winter cold.

Testimonies of the Medici period include elegant loggias, arched portals with floral motifs, carved mullioned windows, and decorated corbels. On the southeast gate stands the coat of arms of the Signoria of Florence, symbol of a refined heritage. Without true defensive walls, the village is protected by case-mura (house-walls), with rare openings, reflecting its austere past. Walking through the streets, one encounters 15th-century houses, such as the Captain’s House, and the 14th-century tower, offering a spectacular view. Also noteworthy are the Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, dating back to the 14th–15th centuries, and the Church of Madonna del Lago, surrounded by greenery just outside the walls.

Culture, events and traditions

Santo Stefano di Sessanio brings its historic center to life with events that celebrate local tradition and culture. On August 12 and 13, during Estate nel Borgo, the streets turn into a market-exhibition with typical products, medieval reenactments, costumed parades, artisans, jugglers, and street performers. On August 13, the Palio del Parco takes place, a knightly joust among the villages of the former Barony of Carapelle. The Sagra delle Lenticchie, active since 1972 and dedicated to the famous local lentil, offers traditional dishes and music on the first weekend of September. Finally, on December 28 and 29, with Natale nel Borgo, the village lights up with torches and lanterns to host a suggestive living nativity scene and Christmas markets in the ancient workshops.

What to see around Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Just a few kilometers away lies the magnificent Rocca Calascio, one of the highest medieval fortresses in Europe, also famous as a film set for Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose.

Also not to be missed are Castel del Monte, another splendid mountain village, and the plains of Campo Imperatore, known as the “Little Tibet” of Abruzzo, ideal for excursions, trekking, and photography.

Visit the village and share your impressions in your social stories!

(cover photo credits: Alex_Mastro)