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Inland Abruzzi, and specifically Gran Sasso, provide natural scenery used frequently in both Italian and international films.
Author: Accademia dell'Immagine - Abruzzo Film Commission
Inland Abruzzo, and specifically Gran Sasso, provide natural scenery used frequently in both Italian and international films.
The unique formation of the southwest face of the Gran Sasso mountain, which stretches from L'Aquila to the Campo Imperatore Valley, has served as a backdrop for some well-known films such as "Ladyhawke" (Richard Donner, 1985), "A Pure Formality" (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1994), "Il viaggio della sposa" (Sergio Rubini, 1997), "L'orizzonte degli eventi" (Daniele Vicari, 2005), "King David" (Bruce Beresford, 1985) “Così è la vita” (Aldo, Giovanni & Giacomo, Massimo Venier, 1998), "Il generale dell'armata morta" (Luciano Tovoli, 1982), and Il deserto dei Tartari (Valerio Zurlini).
Creating a set in the fortified village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Giuseppe Tornatore worked with Gerard Depardieu and Roman Polanski, the stars of the film, in shooting scenes for the dark story of "A Pure Formality."
Just a few kilometres from Santo Stefano, one can find the town of Calscio and its fortress, the unforgettable setting of Ladyhawke. The fortress was partially restored thanks to Wolf Kroeger’s creativity in the temporary construction of the set.
In addition to the breathtaking panorama, which already boasts colours that seem too extraordinary to be real, the image of the Calscio Fortress was also enriched through interpretations by the photography director, Vittorio Storaro, in some of the film’s shots. This made for an even more impressive location, and an ideal backdrop for the love story between Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer.
Finally, we have the flat expanse of Campo Imperatore, a plateau covering 18 square kilometres, which forms a sort of “mini Tibet,” with random canyons opening up here and there. Among the organizations to choose this area are various auto companies shooting countless car commercials, in addition to the feature films of King David, Così è la vita, Il generale dell'armata morta, Red Sonja, Amici Miei Atto II, Autostop rosso sangue, …Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità, and Francesco, just to name a few.
km 5.7
42.344 N - 13.643 E
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a town with about 120 residents, located at an altitude of 1,250 metres above sea level. It is part of the Comunità montana Campo Imperatore-Piana di Navelli (mountain community of Campo Imperatore-Navelli Valley) and is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.”
The name most likely derives from Sextantio, a small Ancient Roman settlement located near the present day site, and probably about six miles away from one of the more prominent Roman villages. After the 1300s, it became a fortified village and took part in the Baronage of Carapelle, with the duty of surveillance. The influence from the Medici family, on the other hand, came during the second half of the 16th century when Francesco de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, ruled the area and contributed greatly to the development of Santo Stefano.
It is built atop a hill, with its ancient homes and Renaissance buildings overshadowed by the Medici Tower, which has a circular floor plan and battlements, and was damaged in the earthquake of 6 April 2009.
Places of interest include the Parish Church of Santo Stefano from the 15th century, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie and nearby lake.
Among the homes along the village’s streets, one can admire double-arched windows and Renaissance loggias, demonstrating the strong artistic influence of the Florentine noble class. Since completion of careful restoration and restructuring projects in 2004, the village has served as the location for a well-known hotel.
km 2.9
42.327 N - 13.698 E
Calascio covers an area from the 2,561-metre mark at Mt. Prena, all the way down to the basin of Capestrano. Its origins date extremely far back, most likely to the Palaeolithic Age; however, the first settlements are from the Bronze Age. Traces of those periods can still be seen in the barriers that were constructed to delineate farmland and pastures in the hills of Colle del Cerchio, Croce di Picenze, Monte delle Croci, and Colle della Battaglia.
There are also remnants from the medieval village of Rocca Calascio (fortress), which is the most interesting area in terms of history and architecture. The Chapel of Santa Maria della Pietà is from the Renaissance period, while the parish church in the village of San Nicola houses a number of paintings from the 1600s, in addition to some works by the nineteenth-century painter, Teofilo Patini.
km 0.2
42.328 N - 13.691 E
This is one of the highest fortresses in Europe.
Of all the defensive structures, it is undoubtedly among the most noteworthy and picturesque. Dating back to sometime between the 11th and 14th centuries, it was originally built as a lookout tower with a central entrance. The cylindrical towers on the perimeter were then added sometime between the 15th and 16th centuries. A successful, carefully planned restoration project brought the fortress back to its original splendour.
km 30
42.329 N - 13.689 E
Built between the end of the 16th century and beginning of the 17th by the populations of Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the church was founded in honour of the victorious end to a legendary conflict that took place between the local people and a band of outlaws. The geometric, Renaissance-style lines leave room for the octagonal floor plan crowned by a dome with eight points. The austere church rises sharply above the Navelli Valley, not too far from the ancient, abandoned fortress, Rocca Calascio.
Every May, it serves as a meeting place for devotions practiced by the “Tre Madonne Sorelle” (Three Madonna Sisters) along with the Madonna delle Grazie in Castel del Monte and the Madonna di Roio.
Its architectural nooks and crannies provide shelter for nesting Red-billed Choughs, birds belonging to the crow family.
42.443 N - 13.559 E
The Campo Imperatore Plateau is part of the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, and is over 15 km long and 5 km wide. Its altitude ranges from 1,500 – 2,100 metres. It has been given the nickname of “Piccolo Tibet” (Little Tibet) because of its resemblance to the Tibetan plateaus.
It is a winter tourist destination for both cross-country and downhill skiing. The highest downhill ski slopes in the Apennines can only be accessed via the cableway at Campo Imperatore, which is based out of Fonte Cerreto.
During the summer, it is also a tourist spot for hiking and horseback riding fans.
In addition, there is an astronomical observatory located here.
For centuries, the pastures of Campo Imperatore have produced an excellent sheep’s milk cheese.The area is also known for being one of Mussolini’s imprisonment sites during the Second World War.
