A country road winds its way up through beautiful hillside landscapes and leads you to the fortified village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Located in the moutains of Abruzzo at 1250m above sea level, inside the Gran Sasso and Monti delle Laga national park, this medieval town is a classic example of an Italian medieval hill town with perimeter walls encircling houses and squares.
The "Albergo diffuso" is a culturally historical project which breathes life into the forgotten places and people of Abruzzo while preserving the historic character of the buildings and retaining its soul. Over 10 years of study and research have been necessary to bring back to life the customs of the inhabitants, their culinary habits, their crafts and to recreate a true life experience of living there hundreds years ago. The result is of unmatched beauty, an unforgettable experience for the traveler.
This boutique hotel is unique in its kind with 28 rooms spread over different houses of the town restored with the utmost care using materials salvaged from this century-old place, from the ground to furniture and textiles, authentic items from the Abruzzo Mountains. Antique furniture, traditional handcrafts perfectly combined with design elements are reflected in the decoration of each room: natural colours, woolen mattresses, dim light, handmade bedspreads woven on traditional looms.
The spacious and comfortable rooms are equipped with private bathroom (bath or shower), quality bedding, fire place, hairdryer, underfloor heating. Traditional liquors and mineral water are complimentary. This boutique hotel offers you an intimate and exclusive stay to experience the traditions and spirit of ancient rural life without renouncing to comfort and high quality standards. Each room shares a living/dining room with other rooms of the building.
A delicious buffet breakfast is served in the dining room of one of the houses in the village. Fresh products and local producers are a must. An address to discover all year round offering an original and high quality alternative to staying in a traditional hotel.
The hotel enjoys a perfect location to discover the national park of Gran sasso, its historic, cultural and archeological heritage, its biodiversity and unspoiled nature, its handcrafts and enogastronomic traditions. Many activities are organised on site. With a noble and well defined heritage, the village of Santo Stefano offers a pleasant atmosphere and spectacular views on the contrasting landscapes of Gran Sasso.