The fortress of Rocca Calascio, considered the Abruzzo region’s most popular and stunning movie set, is located at 1460 metres asl in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
The majestic military fortress has four towers
Rocca Calascio, which is about two hours from Rome, is one of the highest fortifications in Italy, and dominates the Tirino valley and the Navelli plain in the province of l'Aquila. On a military layout it is unique for the way it blends in with the impervious surrounding territory, a position chosen as it was formidable from a defensive point of view. The fortress, made of very white limestone is on a square plan. It has four cylindrical towers at the corners and a square keep in the centre which is the castle's innermost military defense structure.
The fortress and village were destroyed by an earthquake in 1703
The fortress was accessed through an entrance on the east side at a height of about five metres, reached by means of a retractable wooden staircase resting on two stone brackets that are still visible today. An effective military observation point, it allowed communication with other castles, as far as the Adriatic coast, with the aid of torches at night and mirrors during the day. At the foot of the fortress there are also the ruins of the ancient village, to which it is connected by a wooden bridge. In 1703, a disastrous earthquake damaged both the fortress and the village. Conservative restoration work was carried out between 1986 and 1989, and this has allowed the entire area to be discreetly preserved, and it is open to visitors today.
A popular movie set in the Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga National Park
Rocca Calascio is a magical place, and is famous for having been the film set for Lady Hawke, Padre Pio and The Name of the Rose. For the beauty of the surroundings, the global film industry has elected the entire area, from Rocca Calascio to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, an ideal movie set. A visit to the castle is included in many of the itineraries and tours of the Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga National Park. On the road leading to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy you will pass the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, which can also be admired from the fortress.
