Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Lookouts
Read more
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Santo Stefano di Sessanio and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
18 within 3 miles
Attractions
52 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
996 reviews
Excellent
676
Very good
266
Average
39
Poor
14
Terrible
1
paula c
Atlanta, GA789 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This property had mixed reviews. I thought it was excellent - an immersion experience, and my husband was not up for the adventure. The property tries really hard to make it a great experience - and an immersive experience. What really caught us off guard was how noisy it was - our particular room. It was right next to the "Town square" and had poor insulation. Also, it was easy to hear the entire conversation of the room next to ours. However, in spite of this, I would recommend the place for the immersive experience. What I would suggest is that you pay more attention to requesting a room that is quite if this is important to you.
Written May 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia D
Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina1,105 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
This place is for me the nicest in Abruzzo. Considered on the list of the Borghi Più beli d’Italia.
You will find that they are still fixing some buildings after the earthquake of 2009 and all the area aswell.
But after the years has the same personality I felt thirty years ago when I went there for the first time.
Nowadays with a lot of good options for dinner a couple of bars.
Located up in the mountains with and fantastic tower that you can visit inside.
Silent, profound, embrassing, leaving you the sensation the the time doesn’t pass, that everything stays stand still…
A sensation that is not easy to feel when you travel.
This medioevo places around Abruzzo-Aquila area are incredible! Unforgettable.
You will find that they are still fixing some buildings after the earthquake of 2009 and all the area aswell.
But after the years has the same personality I felt thirty years ago when I went there for the first time.
Nowadays with a lot of good options for dinner a couple of bars.
Located up in the mountains with and fantastic tower that you can visit inside.
Silent, profound, embrassing, leaving you the sensation the the time doesn’t pass, that everything stays stand still…
A sensation that is not easy to feel when you travel.
This medioevo places around Abruzzo-Aquila area are incredible! Unforgettable.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdshore
Newmarket, UK41 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Santo Stefano Di Sessanio is a Medieval clifftop village dating back to the time of the Romans. It has cobbled, quirky streets, arches, tiny passages and adorable shops (people’s front rooms really). It is a world apart from any city or town in the modern world and it whisks you away to a time before TV, the internet and fast food.
Don’t bother coming if you want it all and you want it now. Come if you want to escape the rat race. You won’t regret it. Heels are not of any use to you here. Flat, strong walking shoes or boots required.
Don’t bother coming if you want it all and you want it now. Come if you want to escape the rat race. You won’t regret it. Heels are not of any use to you here. Flat, strong walking shoes or boots required.
Written December 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wigwag
Sussex22 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Okay. Admittedly, I’m partly writing this so that the last idiotic review doesn’t turn up first in the search. This village is so lovely that we came back after our visit last year and decided to buy a house!
Everyone has mentioned the earthquake damage already. But the village has survived, and is beginning to thrive. There are great restaurants, a fab bar, Il Cantinone, run by Sextantio, and three lovely town dogs... who are, by the way, looking for permanent homes.
Everyone is so friendly, and helpful. There are tons of great places to visit, like Rocca Calascio and the Campo Imperatore, but you can also just dream the day away by staying put. The architecture, the views, the cobblestoned lanes... the total absence of cars... paradiso. At least for us.
Everyone has mentioned the earthquake damage already. But the village has survived, and is beginning to thrive. There are great restaurants, a fab bar, Il Cantinone, run by Sextantio, and three lovely town dogs... who are, by the way, looking for permanent homes.
Everyone is so friendly, and helpful. There are tons of great places to visit, like Rocca Calascio and the Campo Imperatore, but you can also just dream the day away by staying put. The architecture, the views, the cobblestoned lanes... the total absence of cars... paradiso. At least for us.
Written June 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linglese
Fermo, Italy339 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
This is well known and off the beaten track. The backdrop for several films and probably almost inaccessible in winter. But in May it was wonderful. Very few people, but they were welcoming. You could see the earthquake damage from 2009 is a long way from being repaired. Lots of buildings have steel corsets. The idea of its being an Albergo Diffuso (a hotel with rooms in different houses in the village) is very interesting. The best photos of the town are from the eastern side.
Written June 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColleenCo
Pescara, Italy1,022 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Surely the best medieval village to visit in Abruzzo.
Unlike other villages, Santo Stefano di Sessanio has been restored without using cement leaving just bare stones on the outside and really preserving history with modern technology. Walking up and down steps (the village is perched on a mountain ) may be a little tedious for some people with moving disabilities and it would be really hard even to get to the main square since the place is not open to traffic - you need to park your car at the foot of the village and explore on foot. You can walk around it for hours and discover interesting and curious things, sometimes openings between buildings are just about 40 cms so you squeeze through a wall to get past and find yourself in a court, surrounded by houses with other staircases leading who knows where. Exploring is complemented by a few shops selling local products as well as food. It is a very authentic village well worth a visit. However, I do not recommend it if you have problems with stairs as there are far too many
Unlike other villages, Santo Stefano di Sessanio has been restored without using cement leaving just bare stones on the outside and really preserving history with modern technology. Walking up and down steps (the village is perched on a mountain ) may be a little tedious for some people with moving disabilities and it would be really hard even to get to the main square since the place is not open to traffic - you need to park your car at the foot of the village and explore on foot. You can walk around it for hours and discover interesting and curious things, sometimes openings between buildings are just about 40 cms so you squeeze through a wall to get past and find yourself in a court, surrounded by houses with other staircases leading who knows where. Exploring is complemented by a few shops selling local products as well as food. It is a very authentic village well worth a visit. However, I do not recommend it if you have problems with stairs as there are far too many
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PDG865
Sant'Ilario d'Enza, Italy35 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
This town was affected by the earthquake of 2011 and it has been carefully restored keeping the hotel infrastructure as "extended" through all old nice little historical apartments. The attention to details is amazing.
Written August 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silk Adventures'n Food
Pescara, Italy680 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
If u are looking for something very special that's the place for you! It's a small town 40 minute from l'aquila and 1.20h from Pescara, unfortunately the earthquake in 2009 dameged this town and the tower built by the Medici family from Florence, but they are working hard to fix the place and they did good work! I really raccomand you this place, here you will feel like you are back to the past! Nice streets,yards,alleys, very tipical restaurant,bautifull hotels and B&B, shops with local product and amazing view! And you should not miss to go to Rocca Calascio one of the top 10 Castle IN THE WORLD! Its just 10 minutes from Santo Stefano. Enjoy Abruzzo ;) cheers
Written November 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmarie1155
Crown Point, IN37 contributions
May 2015 • Family
What can I say, I love Santo Stefano di Sessanio. This is where my father was born. It is a quaint, small, quiet village in the Gran Sasso. It has the feel of home. It is the essence of Italy. It is breathtaking.
Written August 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
722pauline
Lytham St Anne's, UK21 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
A picturesque hamlet of original and restored medieval buildings set in the National park. The locals who run the bar, little shops and restaurants are welcoming and sell locally sourced products. We stayed in the converted buildings restored to there original beauty at Sextantio but there are other places to stay equally charming. If you are visiting the weekends are the busiest but during the week you can have it to yourself with the pretty little cats and very friendly town dogs (who will greet you with a wagging tail). You cannot take a bad photo here.
Written June 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chica2904
Rivarolo Canavese, Italy32 contributions
È accessibile con il passeggino? Esistono rampe o solo scale?
Paola Agnese F
Polignano a Mare, Italy14 contributions
Si, si può accedere anche con il passeggino
Madp71
Rome, Italy10 contributions
Salve, in inverno presumo ci sia neve... In che periodo mi consigliate di venire? Febbraio, marzo...?
Riccardo G
Aprilia71 contributions
Senza ombra di dubbio il miglior periodo è giugno e luglio,nei mesi precedenti essendo un paese di montagna, puo' incappare a pioggie improvvise. Consiglio i mesi scritti.
Mar03052016
Maruggio, Italy717 contributions
Com'è Santo Stefano di Sessanio ad ottobre? Ci sono negozi e locali aperti? I monumenti (anche dei dintorni, es. Rocca Calascio) sono aperti e visitabili?
rossa2006
Bologna, Italy1,303 contributions
Salve, sicuramente sarà splendente in ottobre con i colori dell"autunno che creeranno un paesaggio fantastico! Si io credo che sia ancora tutto aperto fino ai mesi invernali, i negozietti e i ristoranti sicuramente e poi c"e" anche un albergo (Diffuso) che affitta le vecchie casine come stanze. E" veramente una chicca! Noi pensiamo di tornare a primavera poiché ci è piaciuto moltissimo!
marcodiagostino
Giulianova, Italy21 contributions
Dove mangiare?
Florio D
Fiuggi, Italy592 contributions
noi abbiamo mangiato dal Mucciante....
Abby L
Syracuse, New York, United States18 contributions
Is a local guide available? Is this a community now with shops, a church, etc.?
arc227
New York City, NY17 contributions
We were there in May and there were no guides that I knew of. The village is very small, but absolutely charming. There is a church in the village, however I don't believe they have services. It was closed the days we were there. There is an incredible restaurant called L' Elisir del Poeta. It only seats about 10 people so be sure to make a reservation.
Abby L
Syracuse, New York, United States18 contributions
Would like to know if there’s enough to see and do for 3 days...we don’t hike. Is walking challenging? Is local guide available for a few hours one day? Is this a community similar to Matera?
Robyn C
Pittsburgh, PA377 contributions
Three days is over kill without hiking. One day would
Do it.
Roberto B
16 contributions
Perché vi fate del male? Appena arrivato in camper, non conoscevo affatto il paese e vedendolo mi son fermato per la visita, sono stato avvicinato da un signore che mi esortava ad andare in campeggio (forse era un gestore). Mi ha anche detto che sostando nella piazza avrei ricevuto una multa, anche se non c'erano segnali di divieto. Preciso che la piazza era semivuota. Avrei potuto benissimo fermarmi per cena, cosa che poi ho fatto, ma così spaventate i turisti.
Roberto Bacchiani, Pesaro.
Fabrizio R
Villalago, Italy145 contributions
Buonasera signor Bacchiani Roberto, sono stato un paio di volte a Santo stefano e parcheggiato nella piazza, ma non ho avuto nessun problema.........Può darsi che nelle mie 2 soste non era presente lo psicopatico ahahahah visto che in quella piazza si può parcheggiare benissimo.......Oppure può darsi si credeva che volevate accamparvi con il camper lì occupando il parcheggio e ha pensato di esortare in quel modo. Ma come dice lei si, in quel modo fanno scappare i turisti e non far lavorare chi vive delle proprie attività .
Ramunno Fabrizio, Villalago (AQ).
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingSanto Stefano di Sessanio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Santo Stefano di Sessanio
- We recommend booking Santo Stefano di Sessanio tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Santo Stefano di Sessanio tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Santo Stefano di Sessanio:
- (0.01 mi) La Torretta Medicea
- (0.02 mi) Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
- (0.02 mi) Locanda Tra le Braccia di Morfeo
- (0.02 mi) La Bifora e le Lune
- (0.04 mi) Classic Apartment (3 people) - Residenza La Torre
- Restaurants near Santo Stefano di Sessanio:
- (0.02 mi) Ristoro Sessanio
- (0.02 mi) Cantina Chiesamadre
- (0.03 mi) Ovino
- (0.04 mi) Il Cantinone
- (0.09 mi) L' Elisir del Poeta
- Attractions near Santo Stefano di Sessanio:
- (0.03 mi) Chiesa Di Santa Maria In Ruvo
- (0.04 mi) Porta Medicea
- (0.08 mi) Palazzo della Bifora
- (0.22 mi) Chiesa Delle Anime Sante Del Purgatorio
- (0.22 mi) Chiesetta Della Madonna Del Lago
Santo Stefano di Sessanio Information
Excellent Reviews | 676 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 266 |
Santo Stefano di Sessanio Photos | 1,146 |