Santo Stefano di Sessanio
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| Santo Stefano di Sessanio | |
|---|---|
| — Comune — | |
| Comune di Santo Stefano di Sessanio | |
  Santo Stefano di Sessanio
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| Coordinates: 42°20′45″N 13°38′42″E / 42.34583°N 13.645°ECoordinates: 42°20′45″N 13°38′42″E / 42.34583°N 13.645°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Abruzzo |
| Province | L'Aquila (AQ) |
| Area | |
| - Total | 33.14 km2 (12.8 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,250 m (4,101 ft) |
| Population (1 January 2007)[1] | |
| - Total | 120 |
| - Density | 3.6/km2 (9.4/sq mi) |
| - Demonym | Stefanari |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 67020 |
| Dialing code | 0862 |
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a comune and hill town in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Located in an Italian national park, the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park,in the highest region of the Apennines, this medieval hill town sits adjacent to the high plain of Campo Imperatore.
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[edit] Population and Economy
The tiny medieval village of Santo Stefano lay largely abandoned with many of its ancient building in ruins and only 70 inhabitants until recent years. Now, many of the village's buildings have been restored. Some comprise the Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, or extended hotel. Other structures have been restored as vacation homes. [2] The village's population as of January 1, 2009 was 124.[3] However, with its proximity to Rome of 154 Km by car, or less the two hour's drive, the small village has become a fashionable weekend and summer retreat, among its most notable part-time residents is Lucio Dalla, the Italian singer and songwriter. The village's main source of income is tourism with small boutiques, art galleries and eateries tucked into ancient stone structures.
Along with its neighbor Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano has been named one of Italy's prettiest villages, "I Borghi Piu belli D’Italia", and recognized by the Slow Food movement for its sustainable agriculture, in particular its gourmet lentils, "lenticchie". The town holds a festival the first weekend September of each year, the "Sagra delle Lenticchie", celebrating this food. [4]
[edit] History
“Sessanio” or "Sextantia”, as it was called in Roman times, is the patron saint of the village. Many structures in the village date from the eleventh through fifteenth centuries. In the twelfth century, Santo Stefano was part of the Baronage of Carapelle, which included Castel del Monte, Colascio, Capestrano, Carapelle, Castelvecchio, Ofena, and Villa S.Luca. The still standing village portal and now destroyed circular tower (the town's most notable architectural landmark) were constructed by the Medicis. The entrance portal, which leads to the village's main square, is emblazoned with the Medici coat of arms. Other historic structures include the Church of Santa Maria in Ruvo, Casa Fortezza, the Church of Santo Stefano, the ruins of the Palazzo Anelli, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the Convent S. Maria del Monte. [5]
[edit] 2009 Earthquake
Following the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake, the medieval tower pictured above collapsed. [6] With the exception of the Medici tower, the town suffered little damage with buildings restored in the last decade suffering the least damage. There was no loss of life or serious injuries in the village. Reconstruction of the tower is planned.
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ All demographics and other statistics from the Italian statistical institute (Istat)
- ^ Apennines are alive with the sound of saws and hammers
- ^ L’Istituto nazionale di statistica, ISTAT.
- ^ Fondazione Slow Food per la Biodiversita (in Italian)
- ^ Progetto SIMOCA ARSSA Abruzzo, Baronia di Carapelle Parco Nazionale Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga, Setting up and implementation of sustainable and multifunctional rural development model based on organic and competitive agriculture.
- ^ Italy earthquake has caused 'incalculable' damage to cultural heritage
[edit] External links
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