Roccascalegna
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The town of Roccascalegna is situated within the Province of Chieti in Abruzzo and has a population of 1,082 in January 2022.
Standing at an elevation of 430 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 23 km². The most famous sight in Roccascalegna is the medieval castle (Castello di Roccascalegna) which was built in the 12th century and seems to cling precariously to the rocks below. |
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Reaching Roccascalegna
Even if you have your own car, it takes quite an effort to reach Roccascalegna: on paper it doesn't look too bad with a distance of 33 kilometres from the coast which should take about half an hour. However, some of the roads along the way are in need of maintenance to fix potholes and there are also some sharp bends to contend with.
Whatever effort is required is more than rewarded however: this really is one of the most unique villages in Italy with some viewing angles of the castle seemingly defying physics. It's the castle itself that will take most of your attention during a visit; there are some places to eat and drink around the town below though so it makes sense for a half day excursion.
Whatever effort is required is more than rewarded however: this really is one of the most unique villages in Italy with some viewing angles of the castle seemingly defying physics. It's the castle itself that will take most of your attention during a visit; there are some places to eat and drink around the town below though so it makes sense for a half day excursion.
Visiting the castle
Although reaching the castle might look a little hazardous from down below, it's actually really simple and it's just a case of following the path as it climbs up from the village. It only costs €3 to enter the castle which is more than worth it; it has a few rooms to explore which contain some basic exhibitions but it's really the views from the top that make it worthwhile.
The views, particularly looking up at the castle from the road that leads away from the town to the north, haven't gone unnoticed. Certain scenes from the TV Series The Name of the Rose, starring John Turturro, were filmed in Roccascalegna and it also made an appearance in the 2015 film Tale of Tales.
The Touring Cub Italiano have also recognised Roccascalegna's worth and include it on their list of Bandiera Arancione or Orange Flag towns. The association award this mark to towns that reach a certain level of excellence in terms of aesthetic beauty, the environment and hospitality to visitors.
The views, particularly looking up at the castle from the road that leads away from the town to the north, haven't gone unnoticed. Certain scenes from the TV Series The Name of the Rose, starring John Turturro, were filmed in Roccascalegna and it also made an appearance in the 2015 film Tale of Tales.
The Touring Cub Italiano have also recognised Roccascalegna's worth and include it on their list of Bandiera Arancione or Orange Flag towns. The association award this mark to towns that reach a certain level of excellence in terms of aesthetic beauty, the environment and hospitality to visitors.
Comune di Roccascalegna
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Province: Chieti
Region: Abruzzo Population: 1,057 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 23 km² Elevation: 430 metres Highlights: Castello di Roccascalegna, Chiesa di San Pietro Close by: Gessopalena, Torricella Peligna, Casoli, Bomba Recommended accommodation: Hotel Ristorante al Duca (26 km) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Since: 2006
1 of 6 in Abruzzo listed by Touring Club Italiano
Since: 2006
1 of 6 in Abruzzo listed by Touring Club Italiano
