Calascio: Abruzzo's film-set village reborn as culture-driven economic hub
Calascio, located within Gran Sasso National Park, is experiencing revitalization through the Rocca Calascio – Luce d’Abruzzo initiative, which is supported by Italy's PNRR and NextGenerationEU. This project includes the Accademia della Rigenerazione, featuring four educational institutions: weaving (Fondazione Lisio), music (Università Roma Tre), pastoralism (Slow Food Italia), and sustainable tourism (Il Bosso). The University of L'Aquila oversees international winter programs focusing on restoration, Renaissance sculpture, and medieval architecture. Digital innovations are being utilized to improve the Museo non Museo. Infrastructure enhancements comprise trails and bike paths linking to Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Castel del Monte. Current initiatives encompass the restoration of Rocca, hospitality improvements, an agri-food center, and a cultural calendar with diverse festivals. Mayor Paolo Baldi is determined to combat depopulation.
Key facts
- Calascio is a village of just over 100 inhabitants in the Gran Sasso National Park.
- The Rocca Calascio – Luce d’Abruzzo project is funded by PNRR and NextGenerationEU.
- Films shot in Calascio include Ladyhawke, The Name of the Rose, and The American.
- The Accademia della Rigenerazione comprises four schools: weaving, music, pastoralism, and sustainable tourism.
- The weaving school is led by Fondazione Lisio with partners Chiu Tessitura, Lamantera, Iuno, and Solido.
- The music school is coordinated by Università Roma Tre.
- The pastoralism school involves Slow Food Italia and D.R.E.A.M. Italia.
- The sustainable tourism school is guided by Il Bosso and Ideazione.
- University of L'Aquila coordinates three winter schools on restoration, Renaissance sculpture, and medieval architecture.
- The Museo non Museo uses digital installations, video mapping, and augmented reality.
- Infrastructure includes trails and bike paths connecting to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, the Grande Anello Bike, and the Tratturo Magno.
- Cultural festivals include Calascio Film Fest, Calascio Innovation Playground, Rigenera Festival, Ovis, Trek’n Folk, Calascio Street Boulder, and Natale a Calascio.
- Mayor Paolo Baldi has been in office since 2021.
Entities
Artists
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Sean Connery
- George Clooney
Institutions
- National Geographic
- Fondazione Lisio
- Chiu Tessitura
- Lamantera
- Iuno
- Solido
- Università Roma Tre
- Slow Food Italia
- D.R.E.A.M. Italia
- Il Bosso
- Ideazione
- Università dell'Aquila
- Sulmona International Film Festival
- UNINT
- Giffoni Hub
- CAI
- Green Community del Parco
- Artribune
Locations
- Calascio
- Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso
- Rocca Calascio
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio
- Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà
- Castel del Monte
- L'Aquila
- Foggia
- Abruzzo
- Italy