Places
Viewpoint·Moderate·Scenic·Popular

Rocca Calascio, Gran Sasso

Abruzzo

Rocca Calascio (1,460 m) is the highest medieval fortress in the Apennine range — a Norman keep from the 10th century on a crag above the Piano di Navelli saffron plain. It was used as a film set for Ladyhawke (1985), The Name of the Rose and others. The view takes in the Gran Sasso group, the Maiella and the Adriatic coast. The octagonal Church of Santa Maria della Pietà below was built after a 1703 earthquake.

Duration
3 hours
Distance
7 km
Elevation
+400 m
Best season
April – October

Highlights

  • Highest medieval fortress in the Apennines at 1,460 m
  • Film set for Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose
  • Gran Sasso, Maiella and Adriatic simultaneously from the top

With your dog

Mountain path to castle; dogs on leash.