DIVING INTO THE MIDDLE AGES

Don’t stop at the marvels that adorn Italy’s surface. Dive deeper. Hidden beneath the ground lies an underwater realm of ancient wonders. Enjoy an exciting immersion into medieval Abruzzo and unveil its fascinating submerged heritage.

Meet your private driver outside your accommodation and relax on the ride to a privately owned lake located in the Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park. The lake – now used as a source of hydroelectric power – was created artificially in the mid-1960s by flooding the valley so as to provide water irrigation supplies to the nearby fields. Situated about 330 metres above sea level in an unspoiled natural setting, the lake offers splendid views of the surrounding hills and mountains but it is the extraordinary complex – of unique historical value – concealed beneath the surface that attracts divers to the site today. Seven metres under water lie the remains of medieval structures. The springs that currently feed the lake once flowed in streams drawing yesteryear’s entrepreneurs and workers to the valley. An old paint factory can still be seen from the surface while the ruins of two mills and streets dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries are entirely submerged and can be observed only by exploring the depths of the lake. Limpid waters guarantee excellent visibility allowing divers to enjoy a thrilling scuba descent.

Your expert scuba diver will be waiting by the lake ready to lead you on a sub-aquatic journey back in time. As you swim among the ruins of these age-old buildings, imagine how life would have been for medieval workers as they went about their daily chores. One of the two watermills has deteriorated over time and only the foundations are visible today along with the blade of its waterwheel. The other mill is better preserved although it suffered some damage after an earthquake in 2009.

Having savoured the dreamlike enchantment of this underwater world it’s now time to visit Abruzzo’s above-the-ground medieval treasures. After your scuba diving experience, accompanied by your private guide, you will take a trip through the region’s glorious past and spend the rest of the day soaking up its breathtaking landscapes and the magical atmosphere of a characteristic town and castle.

Echoes of horses’ hooves and the clang of knights’ swords still resonate across the narrow alleys and quaint piazzette of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a tiny jewel of a town tucked away in a secluded, stunningly beautiful corner of Abruzzo. Swedish millionaire Daniele Kihlgren stumbled upon this almost-deserted village by chance in 1999 during a solitary motorbike trip which proved to be a revelation and a life-changing experience. Struck by the allure of the site and the surprisingly untouched architecture, he drew up a plan to save Santo Stefano from abandonment and decay. Kihlgren financed a restoration project, purchased a number of houses and converted them into a “diffused hotel”, breathing new life into the town.

Here, surrounded by the wonderful scenery of the Gran Sasso National Park, you may enjoy some free time for a traditional lunch (the local celebrated lentils are highly recommended!) followed by a leisurely stroll. The past oozes from every stone of Santo Stefano and, as you amble along the streets, under ancient archways, your guide will illuminate key moments in the town’s history, from its 14th century beginnings, through the Medici domination, right up to the present day. Not to be missed are the gateway to the old town bearing the Medici coat of arms, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo with its elegant loggia and the artisan stores selling woollen goods and gastronomic specialities.

Make sure not to miss a rewarding hike up the slopes of Calascio, a nearby town dominated by the ruins of a 12th century castle. Rocca Calascio’s spectacular location atop a 1460-metre-high mountain and its crumbling walls steeped in tales of old have earned the fortress its rightful place among the fifteen most beautiful castles in the world, according to National Geographic, as well as a star role in the famous 1980s movies Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose. The views to be admired from here of the Tirino Valley and Gran Sasso mountain range are simply amazing.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon after a memorable excursion taking with you a precious, privileged glimpse of this remarkable territory, both past and present.