Calascio: Rocca, Churches and Trails on the Gran Sasso d’Italia

Calascio combines an impressive high-altitude setting with a closely interwoven cultural heritage. Above the lower-lying town, Rocca Calascio rises to 1,460 metres on the southern side of the Gran Sasso d’Italia and on the edge of Campo Imperatore. There are also several churches and works of art, a walking trail through the town, and a road leading away from Calascio that is considered suitable for cycling tourism.

Rocca Calascio and the high-altitude setting

The construction of the original tower of Rocca Calascio is dated to around the year 1000. The fortress is not simply located within the town, but overlooks lower-lying Calascio from its exposed position. The combination of altitude, the Gran Sasso landscape and the edge of Campo Imperatore therefore has a particularly strong influence on the destination’s first impression.

Rocca Calascio served as an observation point. Presumably, with the help of torches at night and mirrors by day, the complex was able to communicate via numerous optical links in the area with castles on the Adriatic coast.

Churches, chapels and art in Calascio

Near Rocca Calascio, the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà was built by shepherds towards the end of the 16th century as a thanksgiving to the Madonna after a battle to defend the fortress. The octagonal Chapel of Madonna della Pietà also stands near Rocca Calascio on a small plateau directly adjacent to a slope. Both buildings complement a visit to the fortress with religious architecture, each possessing its own distinctive form and history.

The Church of San Nicola di Bari features a striking wooden portal carved in the 16th century. It depicts scenes from the Old Testament and from the life of the saint. The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate dates from 1645; today, it is home to “Le tentazioni di Sant’Antonio nel Deserto” by Patini, which can be admired there.

Santa Maria delle Grazie is also considered rich in works of art. These include paintings by Bedeschini and Cavalier d’Arpino.

Walking trails and cycling tourism

A walking trail leads from the western to the eastern end of Calascio and is intended to help visitors get to know various places in the town more closely.

The trail to Rocca Calascio begins at Piazza della Repubblica in Calascio and is marked with the standard red-and-white-red trail markings. The route from Calascio to the Rocca takes about 45 minutes, is just under two kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 250 metres.

The road leading away from Calascio is also considered suitable for cycling tourism.

Local character and pecorino

Calascio is also associated with a Sagra del pecorino held on the first or second Sunday in August.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to explore destinations in addition to Calascio, you can find Coppito, Cagnano Amiterno, Ofena, Castel Di Sangro, Pianelle, Verrecchie, Campotosto and Cansano here.

For the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.