One of Italy’s most innovative and sophisticated residential retreats is located in a mediaeval village in the Gran Sasso Natural Park of the Abruzzo region. Created as a result of the propriotor’ great interest in art and the popular culture of this mountainous area, the Sextantio - Albergo Diffuso complex represents Abruzzo’s first attempt at completely restoring one of its ancient villages for residential purposes.
The hotel - a fusion of mediaeval architecture and modern technology - contains 42 luxury bedrooms, all of which are differ considerably in terms of internal antique décor and the forms of restructuring adopted. The extreme luxury of the accommodation at S. Stefano di Sessanio is generated by the great care that was taken over every fine detail and by the choice of original and simple, locally-produced fittings, high-quality fabrics and an almost imperceptible use of advanced technology.
The underlying ‘philosophy’ of the project can also be discovered in the cuisine and products offered at the restaurant and wine-bar, breakfasts served with homemade country jams and cakes, fresh bread baked over the open fires, and in the lunch and dinners prepared with the locally grown products and recipes of the surrounding mountainous areas. The project for the restoration of this mediaeval village and the conservation of local craftwork traditions aims at preserving the precious cultural heritage of Abruzzo and due to various related commercial activities, supports sustainable economic growth throughout the entire territory.
The management of Sextantio collaborated in the compilation of a ‘Charter of Values’ with the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso and the Municipality of Santo Stefano di Sessanio so as to preserve a unique relationship and balance between local historical assets and the natural environment.
The building has been preserved beautifully both inside and out thanks to the deeply-entrenched principles of architectural restoration and our deep-felt appreciation of local heritage.
Besides their historical features and original antique furnishings, the ample rooms, measuring up to 25 m2, contain with open fireplaces and heated floors. As with all the best hotels, they meet the most demanding contemporary standards regarding maximum comfort and well-being. For social gatherings and meetings, there are two available environments. Both have fireplaces and one features a kitchenette for self-catering.
Guests can activate any of the Hotels numerous technological features should the need arise via remote control: lights, intranet, internet.
The interiors are furnished with the Arte Povera tradition, the folk arts and craft of the Abruzzo mountains. Unlike many modernisations of ancient structures, Albergo Diffuso has retained the signs of village life – traces left in the bricks and mortar which tell the story of the people. The beautiful restaurant with ancient stone floors features traditional Abruzzese cuisine with locally grown products.
Location
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso is situated in Abruzzo, in the ancient village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, inside the National Park of the Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga. few km from L'Aquila, and only 1 and a half hrs from Roma.
