Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Italy a beautiful village authentically restored

Visit Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a very special village. It was discovered by a Swedish-Italian multi-millionaire as a virtually abandoned village which had not "suffered" from modern renovations. It has now been beautifully restored and to visit is like stepping back in time.

Explore Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Swedish-Italian millionaire Daniele Kihlgren was amazed in 1999 when he happened upon this village as part of a motorbike tour. The location is stunning set as it is in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, the highest region of the Apennines. However it was the village that struck Daniele as no modern buildings whatsoever had been built and the existing buildings had not been spoilt by using concrete to renovate them. It really was like stepping back in time.

Kihlgren agreed to finance a restoration of the village on condition that the council banned new builds and the use of concrete. He received help and finances from many people including British architect David Chipperfield and spent around 4.5 million euros on the project.

The result is a stunning village set in a gorgeous location and the village has been classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of Italy'. Kihlgren has also used a fairly new hotel concept here - the albergo diffusio. An albergio diffusio is a hotel that is split amongst various different locations. In Santo Stefano di Sessanio the "Sextantio Albergo Diffusio had 32 properties though some have now been sold as private houses. The rest share a central reception area as well as hotel manager and staff but the rooms are spread out in the different village houses. All use local materials and old furniture though modern comforts such as under floor heating and light switches are discreetly available.

Wandering through the village twisting alleyways, steep stairs and paved streets lead you past the beautiful limestone houses and around each corner there is something new to see. From the times of the Medici rulers there are elegant arcades, mullioned windows and fine balconies. The entrance gate to the main village square is emblazoned with the Medici coat of arms.

Sadly one of the most iconic sights in the village, the Medici tower was destroyed by the 2009 earthquake and the 17th century church of the Madonna del Lago suffered badly but most other buildings survived more or less intact.

Particular highlights are the 15th century captains house - the Casa del Capitano and the Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio is also known for its lentils. They are an ancient variety which needs altitude to grow and are grown organically. Much sought after by chefs throughout Italy they are definitely worth sampling in the local lentil soup in one of the restaurants in the village.