Roccascalegna

Roccascalegna​

Latest page update: 2 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
​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. 

What People Ask About Roccascalegna

Where is Roccascalegna located?
Roccascalegna is located in the Abruzzo region, in the province of Chieti. It sits in the foothills of the Majella mountains, about 40 km from the Adriatic coast and 25 km southwest of Lanciano.
What is Roccascalegna known for?
Roccascalegna is known for its dramatic cliffside castle, which appears perched on a rocky spur overlooking the village. The castle is a major landmark and has become a popular destination for photography and historical interest.
Can you visit the castle in Roccascalegna?
Yes, the castle in Roccascalegna is open to visitors and features restored towers, a drawbridge, and panoramic viewpoints. There is a small entrance fee, and guided tours are sometimes available. It’s one of the most striking castles in Abruzzo.
Is Roccascalegna worth visiting?
Yes, Roccascalegna is worth visiting, especially for its unique castle and views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a small village but offers a memorable stop for those exploring inland Abruzzo or travelling between the coast and the mountains.
How do you get to Roccascalegna?
Roccascalegna is best reached by car. It’s about 20 minutes from Casoli and under an hour from the coastal town of Fossacesia. The nearest train station is in Lanciano, followed by a drive through the hills. There is parking near the entrance to the village.
Related links
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. ​
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. ​
Comune di Roccascalegna
​​​Province: Chieti

Region: Abruzzo

Population: 1,022​ (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 23 km²

Elevation: 430 metres

Highlights: Castello di Roccascalegna, Chiesa di San Pietro

​Close by: Gessopalena, Torricella Peligna, Casoli, Bomba
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

Since: 2006

1 of 6 in Abruzzo listed by Touring Club Italiano
My recommended accommodation options for Roccascalegna:
  • Hotel Ristorante La Conca Located just outside Roccascalegna, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding mountains, a restaurant serving traditional Abruzzese cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the tranquil setting, the excellent service, and the proximity to the historical sites in Roccascalegna, including the impressive Roccascalegna Castle. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Dimora del Castello Situated near the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, the personal touch of the hosts, and the short walk to Roccascalegna's medieval castle and local attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo Le Macine Set in the countryside near Roccascalegna, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the peaceful environment, the authentic Abruzzese experience, and the short drive to the town’s historical landmarks. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Ristorante La Torre Located a short drive from Roccascalegna, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, a restaurant serving local dishes, and a bar. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, the proximity to hiking trails, and the short drive to Roccascalegna’s castle and surrounding countryside. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Il Sogno di Caterina Set in a peaceful location just outside Roccascalegna, this bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with beautiful views of the mountains, a lovely garden, and a delicious homemade breakfast. Guests enjoy the tranquil setting, the warm hospitality from the hosts, and the easy access to Roccascalegna’s historical attractions. €€ (mid-range)

Roccascalegna​​​​  Gallery

Abruzzo Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Abruzzo

1. ​Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park 
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park 
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto 
8. Barrea 
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona ​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp