Villages of Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio

This morning we boarded the bus at 8:30 and headed to the medieval village of Calascio where we met our local tour guide, Franscesco. He began with a brief lecture about Transhumance which is an ancient pastoral which in 2019 was included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is a practice of moving animals such as sheep, goats, or cattle, from winter grazing areas to summer grazing areas and vice versa. It is still done in Abruzzo as well as several other Italian regions. We have witnessed this practice in Trentino and Alto Adige. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumance

Apparently, in medieval days, Transhumance herewas practiced horizontally rather than vertically as often done. This was because of the high Apennine mountains and they would move millions of sheep from Abruzzo to Puglia and then back again. All the men and boys of at least 14 would leave with the sheep for the winter leaving women, children, and the elderly in the village to fend for themselves and return 9 months later.

Here is a picture of our guide, Fransesco and a few photos during our walk in Calascio. The last one is a fun poster we saw of puppies with the caption to "Eat More Lamb". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calascio

Calascio village was there to provide services to Santo Stefano di Sessanio which is the next village further up the mountain where the Calascio Rocco or tower to protect was located. The tower was significantly damaged in the 2009 earthquake and is still in repairs although we were able to walk up the tower for some amazing views from above! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Rocca_Calascio

Santo Stefano de Sessanio was there to service the military living in the castle. A different local tour guide, Theresa, walked us through the village and up to the tower explaining the history of this small village that is still being restored from the earthquake! A few photos of our walk through Santo Stefano di Sessanio:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Stefano_di_Sessanio starting with the tower.

One of the final photos of a door flower used to ward off witches! https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/witches-and-sheepmore-from-abruzzo/

We then rode back to Sulmona arriving about 6:15pm after a long day. We refreshed a bit and then Michael and I walked to Buonvento, another Sulmona restaurant for dinner. Michael had grilled lamb and I had Chittara L'Abruzzi! https://www.nonnabox.com/spaghetti-alla-chitarra/ And of course, a nice bottle of Montepulciano d'Abruzzi.

Another gorgeous day exploring medieval villages in Abruzzo!