∙ SEXTANTIO ∙ ALBERGO DIFFUSO

SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO

Santo 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.

Immaginary landscape01 Historic hill towns are an essential part of the landscape of Abruzzo.

The 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.

Rooms02 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.

One 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.

Restaurant03 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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Artistic 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 clichéd and folkloristic tourism which

has overtaken many Italian hill towns.

Events04 With the help of local people, artisan traditionsare being rediscovered.

The ensemble in residence with the Officina Musicale.Concerts and performances of contemporary artists participating in the “Widmung” project.

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Free time05 A place 19th century travelers called “terra incognita”.

While 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.

Santo Stefano di Sessa-nio is inside the beauti-ful Gran Sasso Nation-al Park.The area is rich in natural, unspoiled countryside.

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Since 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.

Reservation06

PESCARA

A24

A24

L‘AQUILA

A14

BARI

ROMA

A25

CHIETI

TERAMO

A14

SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO

BOLOGNA

How to reach us:S. Stefano di SessanioMotorway: (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 / 0862.899112Fax: 085.4972324 / 0862.899112e-mail: info@sextantio.it /reservation@sextantio.it

Airport: Pescara (daily flights from London Stanstead, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt).Airport Rome

Rediscovering the rural heritage of southern Italy.

Testi_ Daniele KihlgrenProgetto architettonico_ Oriano Associati Architetti Photo_ Mario Di Paolo Design_ dipaoloimmagini.it

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∙ Sextantio albergo diffuso ∙ Santo Stefano di Sessanio ∙ l’Aquila ∙ Italy ∙ +39 0862 899112

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