∙ SEXTANTIO ∙ ALBERGO DIFFUSO SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO
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anto Stefano di Sessanio is a fortified medieval village. It is located in the mountains of Abruzzo at 1250 meters above sea level, inside the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga national park. The village is a classic example of an Italian medieval hill town, with perimeter walls encircling houses and squares. During the last century the “modernisation� of rural Italy compromised the architectural heritage of many of its countryside villages and towns. But Santo Stefano, like many more remote Mediterranean mountain villages, was deserted when its impoverished inhabitants left in search of work. Paradoxically, the abandonment saved the town from architectural abuse.
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Immaginary landscape
Historic hill towns are an essential part of the landscape of Abruzzo.
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he project to conserve and revive Santo Stefano as an “albergo diffuso” involved a detailed plan to preserve the integrity of the village and its surrounding landscape. Working alongside local organizations such as the town mayor and the national park, we proposed special laws to prohibit any new construction. Our aim was to bring the village back to life and to welcome tourists,but without sacrificing Santo Stefano’s identity. To retain Santo Stefano’s local character all modern technology is hidden. We searched out original architectural materials, and our furniture and textiles are authentic items from the Abruzzo mountains. We have preserved traces of bygone countryside life in the fabric of the buildings - symbols of hardship which evoke the spirit of ancient rural life.
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Rooms
Traces of peasant life preserved in the walls of the building.
Traditional handcrafts are reflected in the detail: natural colours, woolen mattresses; cribs and handmade bedspreads woven on traditional looms.
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The restoration involves the retention of the original use of the domestic buildings.
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ne of our aims is to reflect Abruzzo’s rural traditions. This heritage has strong roots among the mountain people who cherish their pastoral culture. Part of our mission is to rediscover regional gastronomy. We have bought neighbouring land to produce local food, which is available from a restored building (a former cellar) in the centre of the village. In researching local culinary heritage and rituals, we have discovered a local cuisine where resources were few, but mixed in a great number of different recipes. Working with the Museum of the People of Abruzzo - and with the help and advice of the older residents from the area - we have revived artisan skills which go back centuries. Using only traditional raw materials, Santo Stefano’s weavers are producing hand made fabrics for use in our rooms, and to offer to the public directly from the workshop.
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Restaurant
Memories of a simple life.
In researching local culinary heritageand customs, we have discovered a cuisine where resources were few, but mixed in a great number of different recipes..
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rtistic and cultural events are an essential part of life in Santo Stefano. In partnership with the classical orchestra the Officina Musicale, we are developing a project called Ensemble in Residence, where we ‘adopt’ musicians and offer a season of concerts or events. The money raised from these performances will be used for non-profit initiatives. Our hope is that these events at Santo Stefano will become a beacon for an alternative way of enjoying both popular and high culture a different approach to the clichĂŠd and folkloristic tourism which has overtaken many Italian hill towns.
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With the help of local people, artisan traditions are being rediscovered.
Events
The ensemble in residence with the Officina Musicale. Concerts and performances of contemporary artists participating in the “Widmung� project.
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hile you are visiting Santo Stefano, why not take advantage of some of the excursions we have on offer, including trips into the countryside, mountain biking, trekking in the mountains and horse riding. We offer a variety of excursions and trips into the cowntryside mountain diking, trekking in the mountains and horse riding. Santo Stefano di Sessanio is inside the beautiful Gran Sasso National Park.The area is rich in natural, unspoiled countryside.
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Free time
A place 19th century travelers called “terra incognita�.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is inside the beautiful Gran Sasso National Park.The area is rich in natural, unspoiled countryside.
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BOLOGNA A14
Rediscovering the rural heritage of southern Italy. TERAMO
PESCARA A25
SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO
CHIETI
L‘AQUILA A24
A14 A24
BARI
RO MA
S
ince the war the dignity and character of many southern Italian hill towns has suffered at the hands of unsympathetic tourist development. New houses built on the periphery of historic villages have compromised the relationship between the urban landscape and the countryside. Many ancient town centres have suffered from poor quality development. Original features were often removed, stripping buildings of their history. A lack of proper planning meant that new buildings did not reflect the local architectural style. The national government failed to intervene; preferring to focus on Italy’s classical heritage and unwilling to recognise the importance of rural architecture and its relationship with the landscape. Where poverty led to the villages being abandoned no new construction took place. This has left an opportunity for conservation – the chance to preserve these historic hill towns for the future.
How to reach us: S. Stefano di Sessanio Motorway: (from Rome) A24, exit L’Aquila East to Pescara SS17 exit Barisciano turn left after 10 km. S. Stefano; (from Pescara) A25 towards Rome. Exit Bussi sul Tirino - Popoli. Road to L’Aquila. Barisciano turn right ander 10 km: S. Stefano. Tel: 085.4972324 / 0862.899112 Fax: 085.4972324 / 0862.899112 e-mail: info@sextantio.it /reservation@sextantio.it Airport: Pescara (daily flights from London Stanstead, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt). Airport Rome
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Reservation
∙ Sextantio albergo diffuso ∙ Santo Stefano di Sessanio ∙ l’Aquila ∙ Italy ∙ +39 0862 899112
www.sextantio.it