Calascio and its ancient abandoned fortress: a journey into the heart of the Apennines

Calascio - Calascio is a municipality located in the ancient lands of Baronia, in the province of L'Aquila. Dominated by the ancient fortress, it is one of the most fascinating villages in the Abbruzzo region. In distant times it represented the center of the area, it was the richest town, and is therefore steeped in history. The remains of the castle represent a great tourist attraction, they were film sets, and are the only remains of the Rocca Calascio hamlet.

The village is in fact today abandoned. Here, over the years, archaeological remains have been found dating back to the Bronze Age. In the bowels of the territory, in correspondence with the caves of Calascio, excavations led to the discovery of some human remains, 'the first Abruzzese man'. The most important place of worship is the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, dating back to the 16th century, which houses various valuable works, among which the 'Madonna with child' by Cavalier d'Arpino and a Flemish canvas stand out. Next to it is the ancient convent, often the site of exhibitions. Another characteristic church is the one located near the fortress, the church of Santa Maria della Pietà.