Calascio, Italian comune
Calascio is a small commune in the Province of L'Aquila situated on a hilltop at about 1200 meters (3900 feet) elevation. The village consists of stone houses with small windows and tiled roofs that blend into the mountain setting, dominated by the impressive Rocca Calascio fortress that stands at over 1500 meters (4900 feet).
Calascio originated in the Middle Ages and is first documented in 1380, though Rocca Calascio fortress was built around 1000. In the 1400s the fortress was expanded under Antonio Piccolomini, and a major earthquake in the late 1400s destroyed parts of it, causing many residents to leave.
The name Calascio derives from Latin and reflects the village's geographic position. Local people keep traditions alive through farming and crafts, and they celebrate festivals that bring the community together throughout the year.
Calascio is accessible by local bus services connecting the village to larger towns, and shuttle services transport visitors to Rocca Calascio. The place offers modest accommodations in guesthouses and mountain huts plus simple local restaurants serving traditional regional dishes.
Rocca Calascio has appeared in several medieval films including Lady Hawke and served as a filming location for productions about Padre Pio. The fortress was also used to send signals with torches and mirrors between castles across great distances.
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