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my pictures of the place: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/luca-lorenzelli/art/rocca+calascio
If you are looking for a place where history, nature and magic come together, you should visit Rocca Calascio, a medieval village and castle in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo. Rocca Calascio is one of the highest fortresses in Europe, located at 1460 meters above sea level, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also a popular destination for movie lovers, as it has been the set of several films, such as Ladyhawke, The Name of the Rose and The American.
The castle of Rocca Calascio dates back to the 12th century, when it was built by Roger II of Altavilla on the ruins of a Roman fortification. It was part of a defensive system that stretched from the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, and served as a lookout point and a communication tower with other castles in the area. The castle has a square plan with four corner towers and a central keep. It was damaged by several earthquakes and attacks over the centuries, and was abandoned after a major quake in 1703. In the 1980s, it was restored and opened to the public. Today, you can visit the castle and admire its architecture and its panoramic position.
The village of Rocca Calascio is adjacent to the castle, and consists of two parts: an upper part, which is older and mostly in ruins, and a lower part, which is more recent and partially renovated. The village was inhabited until the 18th century, when most of the population moved to the nearby town of Calascio after the earthquake. Some of the houses have been converted into hotels, restaurants and shops, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and hospitality. You can also explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village, and discover its ancient charm.
On the opposite side of the castle, facing Campo Imperatore plateau, there is a small church dedicated to Santa Maria della Pietà. The church was built in the 17th century on a prehistoric site, and has a simple but elegant structure. It has a single nave with a wooden ceiling and a semicircular apse. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Mary and Jesus. The church is surrounded by a cemetery, where you can find some interesting tombstones carved with symbols and inscriptions. The church is also a perfect spot to admire the sunset over the mountains.
How to get there
Rocca Calascio is located about 30 km from L’Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo. You can reach it by car or by bus from L’Aquila or from other towns in the region. If you are driving, you can park your car at Calascio or at Campo Imperatore, and then walk or take a shuttle bus to Rocca Calascio. The walk takes about an hour and is not very difficult, but it can be challenging in winter or in bad weather conditions. The shuttle bus runs only on weekends and holidays, and costs 1 euro per person. If you are taking public transportation, you can take a bus from L’Aquila to Santo Stefano di Sessanio or Castel del Monte, and then change to another bus that goes to Rocca Calascio.
Why you should visit
Rocca Calascio is a place where you can experience the beauty and the history of Abruzzo in an authentic way. You can immerse yourself in a medieval atmosphere, enjoy breathtaking views of nature, taste delicious food and wine, and feel like you are in a movie. Rocca Calascio is also a great base for exploring other attractions in the area, such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, Campo Imperatore and Gran Sasso National Park. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, Rocca Calascio has something for everyone.
