Where is Rocca Calascio located? It is located in Abruzzo, just one hour from Agriturismo il Timo

It is a mediaeval hamlet at high altitude

Rocca Calascio is a fortress in the Abruzzo Apennines, located at 1450 meters in the province of L'Aquila. The fortress is part of the municipality of Calascio, a small town just below. The territory is part of the Gran Sasso dei Monti della Laga National Park and is entirely surrounded by nature.

What makes it unique is the presence of the castle and the ancient medieval village.

The castle is one of the highest in the country, a symbol of the place and attracts numerous tourists to the national and international level every year. It was erected under the will of Roger of Altavilla after the Normans invaded the place in 1140, because of its strategic location and thus for defensive purposes.

The castle saw the passage of many historic families including the Colonna and Piccolomini families, and was repeatedly modified with ornaments and defensive structures, such as Ghibelline battlements or the addition of four towers with a circular base. Originally the castle was also equipped with an elevated bridge now replaced with a wooden ramp.

Due to a violent earthquake in 1703, the structure was evidently damaged: this caused the depopulation of the village and total abandonment.

It was not until the 20th century that Rocca Calascio slowly began to regain prominence, mainly due to the spread of tourism and, primarily, cinema: the castle and village have been film sets for many Italian and foreign films such as The Name of the Rose (ITA) and Lady Hawke (USA).

Near the fortress, along the path, is the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, dating from 1596. The structure has Renaissance features such as a dome with eight segments and an octagonal plan. Inside we can admire the splendid fresco of the Miraculous Virgin and the sculpture of St. Michael in armor.

The village also attracts the attention of food enthusiasts and lovers of good food, offering typical and traditional cuisine:

• Lentil soup served with fried bread and olive oil;
• Lentils are often served with Volarelle, tasty typical potatoes;
• Chiaran-style lamb with cheese and eggs, a mouthwatering local dish with top-quality meat, straight from high altitude farms.

Events

• Pecorino cheese festival, first Sunday in August, highlights the quality of the typical sheep's milk cheese;

Near the Farmhouse

If you are looking for an agritourism within easy reach of Rocca Calascio, the agriturismo il Timo is less than an hour's drive away. Those who would like to continue their journey in the vicinity of the agriturismo can visit Tagliacozzo e Rosciolo.

Discover also other places to visit near us, check out the page of the tourist itineraries in Azbruzzo