Attractions and Places To See around Santo Stefano Di Sessanio - Top 20

The Funivia del Gran Sasso d'Italia (the cable car to Campo Imperatore) was originally opened in 1934 and was recently reopened on June 15, 2026, after a period of significant maintenance. The cable car connects the valley station in Fonte Cerreto (Assergi, at 1,117 meters) with the Campo Imperatore plateau (at 2,130 meters). The cable car to Campo Imperatore has a rich history. The first installation was built in 1934 during the reign of Benito Mussolini and was considered a technical masterpiece and one of the longest cable cars in the world at the time. It also played a role in the spectacular liberation of Mussolini during World War II. The original cabins remained in use until 1985. After a complete modernization, the current cable car was put into operation in 1988. With two cabins for 100 passengers each, it covers a distance of over 3 kilometers and an altitude difference of 1,013 meters in just seven minutes. Following extensive safety works, including the replacement of the support cables, the cable car has been fully operational again since June 2026. Opening hours: During the summer season (until the end of August 2026), the cable car to Campo Imperatore is open daily from 07:30 to 19:30. The cabins depart every 30 minutes. Please note that in case of strong winds or other extreme weather conditions, the cable car may be temporarily taken out of service to ensure the safety of travelers.

Campo Imperatore is one of Italy's most impressive natural areas. This vast, treeless high plain at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters is not called 'Little Tibet' for nothing. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Gran Sasso massif, it offers a spectacular setting for hikers of all levels. From relaxed walks across the rolling plateau between grazing sheep and horses to challenging climbs of Monte Aquila, the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, or even Corno Grande (2,912 m), the highest peak in the Apennines. Thanks to accessibility by car or cable car, you can start your hike right in the middle of the high mountains, with breathtaking panoramas along the way and a landscape that has served as a backdrop for countless films.

The Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory on Campo Imperatore, officially the Stazione Osservativa di Campo Imperatore, is one of Italy's most special observatories, located at an altitude of 2,150 meters. Since its opening in 1965, astronomers here have benefited from exceptionally clear nights. Thanks to a natural phenomenon, thermal inversion, clouds and artificial light often remain trapped in the valleys, making the night sky above the plateau remarkably dark and clear. Historical tidbit: one of the observatory's most important telescopes has a remarkable history. The AZT-24 infrared telescope was originally intended as a gift from Adolf Hitler to Benito Mussolini during World War II and was known as the "Mussolini telescope." However, due to the fall of the fascist regime, the telescope was never delivered. After the war, the instrument was taken by the Soviet Union to the Pulkovo Observatory. It wasn't until after the end of the Cold War that the telescope returned to Italy, where it finally found a permanent home on Campo Imperatore in 1997. The observatory also played an important role in modern astronomy. Between 2001 and 2004, during the CINEOS project, scientists discovered more than 1,500 new asteroids, including several so-called Near-Earth Objects that approach Earth's orbit. Thus, Campo Imperatore is not only one of the most beautiful places to stargaze but also a location that makes a significant contribution to the research of our solar system and the monitoring of potential space risks.

OPENING HOURS, always useful to know before you go up! Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi is open daily for the summer season. The opening hours and seasons are arranged as follows: summer season (continuously open) Period: From June 15 to the end of September, the mountain hut is open non-stop every day. Daytime (kitchen/bar): You can usually go there from approx. 08:30 to 17:00 for drinks, snacks, and lunch. Overnight stay: If you have booked an overnight stay in advance, you can join for dinner in the evening. Autumn, Winter & Spring (limited opening) Period: from October to May. Days: The hut is then in principle only open on weekends (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon), provided the weather and snow conditions allow it safely. Closure: the hut often closes completely in the month of November due to the start of the heavy winter snowfall. Important to know: because the mountain hut is located at an altitude of almost 2400 meters, the opening hours are always dependent on the weather. In case of heavy storms, dense fog, or sudden snowfall, the hut may remain unexpectedly closed. Do you want to be sure whether the manager is present or do you want to book a place to sleep? Check the current status via the official CAI Booking Platform or contact the managers directly via +39 388 186 7703.

Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi is located at an altitude of 2,388 meters on Monte Portella and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Gran Sasso massif. The mountain hut, built in 1908 by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), is named after the famous explorer and mountaineer Luigi Amedeo of Savoy. From the terrace, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panorama over the Campo Imperatore plateau, the imposing Corno Grande – the highest peak in the Apennines at 2,912 meters – and the rugged Val Maone. The relatively short hike to the hut immediately offers a real high-mountain feeling and is an ideal stopover for lunch or an espresso, but also serves as a starting point for more challenging climbs. Historical fact: just below the mountain hut lies the Hotel Campo Imperatore, where Benito Mussolini was held captive in 1943. From this area, he looked out over the endless peaks of the Apennines until he was freed by a glider during the spectacular German rescue operation, Operation Oak. This combination of impressive nature, mountaineering history, and a remarkable chapter from World War II makes a visit to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi extra memorable.

small church in Abruzzo at 1400m

The Normal Route is a fairly simple route, except for the last 400 meters, the gully and the ridge, which, being EEA grade (expert equipped hikers), require considerable physical strength and technique. Mountaineering boots are also required, and a helmet is recommended. Since the ridge is also quite technical, it is absolutely not suitable for those with a fear of heights, the elderly, children, or anyone without mountaineering experience.

When walking around the Rocca Calascio you pass this little church, which is uniquely situated in the barren landscape of Abruzzo.