Rocca Calascio
Rocca Calascio
4.5
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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24 within 3 miles
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67 within 6 miles
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- G.B.871 contributionsThe name of the AbruzzoRocca Calascio is one of the highest located castles in Italy. In it have been shot many beautiful movies (Ladyhawke, the name of the rose ...) Unfortunately the interior this year will be closed and it will be possible to visit only for external parts. But it is still very beautiful. It stands above a small village very nice. Definitely a place to visit. The only thing you need to know is how to reach it. I order the various options in order of preference. 1. If possible leave very early in the morning (the place is clearly always open), in this way you can reach by car the (tiny) parking in the village, park and walk to the Rocca Calascio. The walk is short (20 min), uphill but not difficult. You might be lucky and find free places also in other times, but only in low season. 2. If you can't go soon, then probably the village parking lot will be busy, so you should park your car in the town under the fortress (not the village, this town is called, incredibly , Calascio) and then take a bus that will take you to the fortress. 3. I saw people walking to the fortress directly from Calascio. This option is strongly discouraged because the road is not easy to walk.Written October 6, 2020
- gianni_di_battistaMontesilvano, Italy1,808 contributionsVivere un paesaggio medievale in AbruzzoRocca Calascio è una rocca situata in Abruzzo in provincia dell'Aquila: di origine medievale, è conosciuta per la presenza del castello, considerato uno dei simboli dell'Abruzzo.Traveled with familyWritten August 20, 2020
- IvoEraclea, Italy16,687 contributions"Incantevole"In Abruzzo c'è un posto magico e misterioso, caratterizzato da un paesaggio naturalistico affascinante e incantevole, talmente bello da lasciarvi senza fiato. È Rocca Calascio, una delle fortificazioni più alte d'Italia che svetta a 1460 metri dominando la valle del Tirino e l’altopiano di Navelli. Situato all'interno del Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e dei Monti della Laga, il paese in provincia dell’Aquila è uno dei più alti borghi dell’Appennino centrale. La sua costruzione è da far risalire al X secolo,in funzione di controllo e di avvistamento. Rocca Calascio si raggiunge comodamente in macchina, anche se all’interno dell’abitato le strade sterrate sono pedonali. La passeggiata dall’ultimo parcheggio raggiungibile fino alla Rocca è di pochi minuti, facilmente affrontabile da chiunque. Il parcheggio non è tanto grande, quindi conviene andare la mattina presto. Da qui si risale al borgo attraversando piccole attività commerciali, come un bar ma anche una specie di alimentari in cui gustare un aperitivo a base di salumi, formaggi e del vino locale. Dopo pochi minuti di strada sterrata in salita si arriva alla Rocca, qui tutto diventa magia!! Montagne a perdita d'occhio circondano il Castello, sono gli Appennini del Gran sasso, la vista dalla Rocca è incredibile e indescrivibile, la veduta spazia a 360 gradi, facendo ammirare le bellezze della flora e della fauna di tutta la valle. Il fascino di questo luogo è dovuto anche alla natura incontaminata e alla possibilità di ammirare il meraviglioso paesaggio dalla Rocca. Oggi è possibile accedere al Castello e ai ruderi dell’antico borgo gratuitamente tutti i giorni, mentre la Torre è visitabile la domenica. Nei pressi si trova anche la particolare chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà. Il Castello oltre ad essere luogo di partenza per una serie di escursioni e trekking nella natura e anche sede di interessanti manifestazioni, tra cui concerti di musica classica ed eventi legati alla falconeria. Il luogo suggestivo, l'incantevole paesaggio e il fascino del Castello hanno fatto in modo di inserire Rocca Calascio tra i quindici castelli più belli al mondo! Veramente fantastico!!! Visita imperdibile!!Written August 30, 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Andrew W
Shrewsbury, UK231 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
We were taken to this incredible place by a friend who has written a book about the area. We spent an enchanting weekend here and a good couple of hours walking up to the castle, and having lunch nearby.
The castle is interesting from a historical viewpoint, but more so for the stunning location and views. Sadly, on the day of our visit the light was challenging, but still!
This part of Italy hasn't been discovered yet like, for instance, Tuscany, but we have little doubt that it soon will be. At lunch we listened to one of our American cousins finalising the purchase of a house. Go before the crowds arrive.
As already mentioned, enchanting.
The castle is interesting from a historical viewpoint, but more so for the stunning location and views. Sadly, on the day of our visit the light was challenging, but still!
This part of Italy hasn't been discovered yet like, for instance, Tuscany, but we have little doubt that it soon will be. At lunch we listened to one of our American cousins finalising the purchase of a house. Go before the crowds arrive.
As already mentioned, enchanting.
Written October 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter B
St. Albans, UK50 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
I stayed at the Rifugio for a few days with some walking pals last year - rooms basic but so atmospheric and with such far-reaching views over the Appenines - this was the first time I'd stayed in a hotel that is actually a reclaimed abandoned village. The short walk up to the castle and church was so magical I did it several times. This year I came back to Gran Sasso with my wife and a couple of friends and we stayed in Santo Stefano Di Sassanio. We walked from there up to the Rocca and it was truly a stunning walk with fabulous views all around. Had a very nice lunch in the Rifugio and walked back the same way through acres of wild flowers avoiding those big white sheepdogs who were carefully guarding their flock. A memorable day indeed
Written June 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
722pauline
Lytham St Anne's, UK21 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
My son and I walked here from S. Stefano di Sessanio on the long winding road looking at all the beautiful flora, fauna and wildlife on the way on a beautiful sunny day. As you turn the last mountain you see before you the sight of the octangle church and higher again the fort. It is truly a magical sight to see. Exploring this area was amazing but not for the faint hearted as it is so high as a little wind makes you feel a little cautious. But it is well worth it as you will never see views like it again you can see a 360 degree view of the whole of the mountains and all the little hill top mountains. You can also make it to the base of the fort by car with steep but reasonably short walk up. On the fort side, a little lower down there is a bar/restaurant. Remember to wear strong walking shoes!
Written June 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caroline S
London, UK144 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
We walked the 5 km from Santa Stefano di Sessanio up hill and down dale and enjoyed it tremendously, and when we got to the actual fort (the highest in Italy) it was well worth it. What a beautiful place with wonderful views over the outstanding Abruzzi countryside. We then decended to the Refugio for a welcome beer and panini before making our way back.
Written July 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FarAway63260912187
2 contributions
Jul 2019
It is not so easy to get to but once there, all you have to do is spread your arms, look up and breathe the fresh air!!! Beauty <3
Written July 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ilaria M
Rome, Italy31 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
Rocca Calascio one of the most charming and spectacular fortress of the Abruzzo region in the province of L’Aquiila, Italy.
Rocca Calascio is the highest fortress in the Apennines, it has an elevation of 1,460 meters it was aimed to control an extended area and was made for military purposes. Built of stone and masonry it was not a residence but only worth to accommodate troops.
The construction of the fortress started in the tenth century as a single watchtower. A walled courtyard with four cylindrical towers at the corners was added in the thirteenth century. The lower part of the fortress is built with large stones to make it impenetrable to invaders. The fortress was damaged by an earthquake in 1461 and not rebuilt. Near the fortress is the church of Santa Maria della Pietà built in the seventeenth century.
Rocca Calascio was the location for several movies: Francesco, by Liliana Cavani with Mickey Rourke, il viaggio della sposa by Rubini, King David with Richard Gere, Yado with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Donner’s film Ladyhawke.
Rocca Calascio is within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and a wonderful drive nearby is the one to the high plain of Campo Imperatore.
My family really enjoyed discovering this out of track treasure.
Rocca Calascio is the highest fortress in the Apennines, it has an elevation of 1,460 meters it was aimed to control an extended area and was made for military purposes. Built of stone and masonry it was not a residence but only worth to accommodate troops.
The construction of the fortress started in the tenth century as a single watchtower. A walled courtyard with four cylindrical towers at the corners was added in the thirteenth century. The lower part of the fortress is built with large stones to make it impenetrable to invaders. The fortress was damaged by an earthquake in 1461 and not rebuilt. Near the fortress is the church of Santa Maria della Pietà built in the seventeenth century.
Rocca Calascio was the location for several movies: Francesco, by Liliana Cavani with Mickey Rourke, il viaggio della sposa by Rubini, King David with Richard Gere, Yado with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Donner’s film Ladyhawke.
Rocca Calascio is within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and a wonderful drive nearby is the one to the high plain of Campo Imperatore.
My family really enjoyed discovering this out of track treasure.
Written January 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan B
Los Angeles, CA54 contributions
Sep 2019
The hike up from the village is easy, the last 30 feel to the top of the tower more challenging but worth the extra vistas viewable. You can see many distant peaks and enjoy the ruined castle itself for a 1-2 hour adventure.
Written September 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
guorlan
Italy280 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
An austere and beautiful ruin, proudly standing for the past 800 years over the peaks and valleys of the National Park, well worth the effort to get there. The walk up is long and steep,and driving is advisable; at weekends because of the crowds there are minibuses taking people up to the castle, so if possible go during weekdays towards evening time; sunsets here are definitely spectacular.
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katrien S
Ghent, Belgium1,982 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We decided to walk from village Santo Stefano di Sessiano, as there is a nice walkigng path most of the way, the other part you are on a deserted road. The walk is a good hour, and gives already some nice views. However, the views from the ruins are fantastic, and really good in every direction, which is exceptional. On the site there is a church, build much later than the fort/castle and not a ruin yet; although it was closed when we visited. Of the fort one can still see the very symmetric donjon with partial towers, the rest is really a ruin.
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Miguel M
Melbourne, Australia649 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Having enjoyed an unforgettable lunch in a nearby restaurant in Santo Stefano in Sessanio, we decided that a good walk would do us good and headed for the historical Rocca Calascio.
This wonderful walk requires the ability to get around in reasonably rough terrain. The paths are for the most part dirt tracks. We loved the Rocca and were stunned by the beauty of the views from this vantage point.
This wonderful walk requires the ability to get around in reasonably rough terrain. The paths are for the most part dirt tracks. We loved the Rocca and were stunned by the beauty of the views from this vantage point.
Written July 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alex
Novate Mezzola, Italy
Buon giorno volevo sapere se la rocca è visitabile perché ho telefonato in comune e mi hanno detto di no causa covid
C.T
190 contributions
salve vorrei sapere se a novembre e possibile visitare la rocca anche solo esternamente? dove si parcheggia l'auto?a piedi è faticoso quanto tempo si mette per arrivare?.c'è la navetta?dove si prende e quando costa?Grazie
Andrea B
Brescia, Italy36 contributions
Seguendo la strada da Calascio al borghetto sottostante la Rocca, appena oltrepassato il borgo si lascia la macchina nel parcheggio situato sul tornante. Da qui alla rocca ci sono circa 400 m per 60 m di dislivello su uno sterrato, prima comodo che poi diventa un sentiero un po' più impegnativo a zig-zag, ma passa attraverso le rovine molto suggestive delle fortificazioni e degli edifici del castello pre-quattrocentesco. Comunque ce l'ho fatta io senza fatica, a 66 anni e con un ginocchio malmesso.
In alternativa si può raggiungere più agevolmente la rocca, sempre dal parcheggio, percorrendo il comodo sterrato fino alla chiesa di S. Maria della Pietà (edificio e panorama stupendi), sono in tutto circa 700 m.
Informarsi bene sul meteo perchè la zona in novembre potrebbe già essere innevata.
E' uno dei più bei luoghi del Vecchio Continente, sembra di essere in Mongolia.
Cordialmente,
Andrea Breda
katiaTramo
1 contribution
Buongiorno c'è la navetta nel mese di settembre?
Joseph*C.
Rimini, Italy891 contributions
katiaTram
Noi siamo stati il 15 Agosto e abbiamo presa la navetta devo dire che si viaggia abbastanza bene noi non abbiamo trovato difficolta'. Comunque per il mese di Settembre non so,ma prova a contattare la Cooperativa che gestisce il servizio come abbiamo fatto noi
l'oro ti sapranno fornire tutto "Indicazioni e' Servizio"
il numero e' questo 351/5512131.
Ciao.
Francesco D
Giovinazzo, Italy28 contributions
Dove si prende la navetta per la Rocca?
Ilaria T.
Pisa, Italy37 contributions
Io la prendevo il bus per San Marino città da Rimini di fronte alla stazione.
Buonasera, per visitare il castello domani bisogna prenotarsi da qualche parte? Le navette fino a che sono disponibili?
Andrea L
Rome, Italy4,473 contributions
Non c’è da prenotare nulla sinceramente. Credo che le
Navette siano disponibili solo quando i parcheggi sono pieni.
Beste Alex, Wij reizen met een camper (7m) en zouden graag weten of het mogelijk is in Rocca Calascio te parkeren.
Niet om er te overnachten, wel om er een wandeling te maken. We zullen op onze rondreis komen van Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
Alvast bedankt,
Andrea Brewée
giuliodemarco95
Fossacesia, Italy
Qualcuno sa se la chiesetta di Santa Maria della Pietà è visitabile prenotando una visita presso il gruppo di volontari? Su Wikipedia ho visto delke nuove foto caricate, che mostravano l'interno barocco
Aoi hoshi
Rome, Italy180 contributions
Quando sono andato io era chiusa, ma potete contare il comune che gestisce anche il servizio navetta.
marcodiagostino
Giulianova, Italy21 contributions
Dove mangiare?
Carlo M
100 contributions
Appena salito nel gruppo di case a destra c'è la Taberna di Rocca Calascio, la vedi subito perché ci sono i tavolini fuori. Vai con gli arrosticini e non preoccuparti per il costo
giuliodemarco95
Fossacesia, Italy
Si possono prenotare visite guidate al castello 0862 930132
Andrea luigi m
Cassano Magnago, Italy695 contributions
Ciao, so che aprono di domenica, non so se hanno un recapito telefonico ma mi ricordo che facevano visite guidate x gruppi
Rocca Calascio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rocca Calascio
- We recommend booking Rocca Calascio 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 3 Rocca Calascio tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Rocca Calascio:
- (0.14 mi) Rifugio della Rocca
- (0.44 mi) Affittacamere Accà Lascio
- (0.37 mi) Stone house in the Abruzzo Mountains
- (0.09 mi) Period residence and apartments in the heart of the village of Santo Stefano di
- (0.57 mi) Palazzo Diamante
- Restaurants near Rocca Calascio:
- (0.12 mi) La Taberna di Rocca Calascio
- (0.14 mi) Rifugio della Rocca Ristorante
- (0.45 mi) Ristorante Pizzeria Da Maria
- (0.56 mi) Da Clara
- (0.56 mi) La Cittadella
- Attractions near Rocca Calascio:
- (0.00 mi) Castello Normanno
- (0.08 mi) Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieta
- (0.19 mi) Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari
- (0.40 mi) Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate
- (0.42 mi) Fonte Di Rocca Calascio