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Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo

Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

A restored medieval village at 1,250m altitude in the Gran Sasso National Park — one Michelin Key, Design Hotels member, with 29 rooms scattered through ancient stone houses.

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Overview

About Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

Sextantio Albergo Diffuso is not a hotel in any conventional sense. It is an entire medieval village — Santo Stefano di Sessanio — painstakingly restored and reimagined as a scattered hotel where guest rooms, suites, and communal spaces are distributed through ancient stone houses along cobbled lanes beneath the shadow of the Medici watchtower. At 1,250 metres altitude within the Gran Sasso National Park, the setting is dramatic and otherworldly: a fortified hilltop borgo surrounded by some of the wildest landscape in central Italy. The restoration is internationally acclaimed — furniture, textiles, and objects are sourced from ethnographic research with the Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo, ensuring every detail honours the village's identity. One Michelin Key and membership of Design Hotels reflect the level of care.

Max Guests

150

Exclusive Use

Yes

From

€150

Highlights

Key Features

  • Restored Medieval Village at 1,250m Altitude
  • Gran Sasso National Park Setting
  • One Michelin Key (2024 & 2025)
  • Design Hotels Member
  • 29 Rooms with 60 Beds Across the Borgo
  • Exclusive Use (One Event Per Day)
  • Private Chapel for Ceremonies
  • Traditional Abruzzese Cuisine
  • Up to 150 Guests for Banquets
  • Bridal Suite Available
  • Ethnographic Restoration Project

Heritage

A Living Monument to Italian History

Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a fortified medieval village that prospered under the Medici family in the 15th and 16th centuries, serving as a centre for wool production. Over the following centuries the village gradually depopulated as residents moved to the valleys and cities. By the late 20th century, much of the borgo stood abandoned.

Exclusive Use

The Exclusive Experience

Sextantio grants exclusive use of the venue for one event per day, ensuring your wedding has the entire village as its private setting. With 29 rooms and 60 beds, a significant portion of your guest list can stay within the borgo itself, creating a truly immersive multi-day celebration in this extraordinary mountain village.

What's Included

  • Exclusive use of event spaces (one wedding per day)
  • Access to the private chapel, terrace, dining rooms, and village spaces
  • Dedicated event coordination
  • Bridal suite for the wedding night
  • 29 rooms with 60 beds for guest accommodation
  • Traditional Abruzzese wedding menu
  • Village setting within the Gran Sasso National Park

Spaces

Event Spaces & Capacities

Event Space Cocktail Seated Dinner Buffet Ceremony

Two-Level Dining Room

Formerly workshop spaces, the two-level dining room features exposed stone walls, original wooden beam ceilings, and atmospheric candlelit lighting. This is the primary reception space for wedding banquets, seating up to 150 guests across both levels.

- 150 150 -

Private Chapel

An intimate stone chapel within the village provides a sacred setting for wedding ceremonies. The simple, ancient architecture creates a deeply moving atmosphere.

- - - 60

Village Terrace

An outdoor terrace space for welcome aperitivos and cocktail receptions, with views across the Gran Sasso mountain range and the surrounding Abruzzo landscape.

150 - - 100

Medieval Piazzas & Lanes

The village's cobbled lanes and small piazzas can be incorporated into the celebration, creating an unforgettable atmosphere where guests move freely through a private medieval borgo.

150 - - -

Facilities

What's On-Site

29 Heritage Rooms & Suites

Guest rooms are scattered throughout the restored village, each unique in character. Rooms retain original stone walls, wooden beams, and antique furnishings sourced from local ethnographic collections. Categories range from Classic rooms to Executive Suites, with a dedicated bridal suite.

Restaurant

The restaurant serves traditional Abruzzese cuisine prepared with authentic local ingredients. Wedding menus include hot and cold antipasti, two first courses, meat main courses with seasonal vegetables, wedding cake, fruit and dessert buffet, regional wines, liqueurs, and sparkling wine.

Wellness & Relaxation

The mountain setting at 1,250 metres provides a natural retreat. The clean air, silence, and dramatic landscape of the Gran Sasso National Park offer a restorative environment for wedding guests.

Experiences

Curated Experiences

  • Professional photography and videography coordination
  • Live music, DJ, and entertainment arrangements
  • Floral design and event styling
  • Full wedding planning and coordination
  • Guest transport and vehicle services
  • Guided excursions in the Gran Sasso National Park
  • Traditional Abruzzese cooking experiences
  • Wine tastings featuring regional producers

Location

Getting Here

Address

Via Principe Umberto, 67020 Santo Stefano di Sessanio (AQ), Abruzzo, Italy

Travel Times

L'Aquila
30 km / 40 min
Pescara
90 km / 1h 15min
Rome
130 km / 1h 45min
Rome Fiumicino Airport
160 km / 2h
Pescara Airport
95 km / 1h 20min
Campo Imperatore
15 km / 25 min
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Nearby Experiences

We're still mapping the best local spots around Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. Check back soon or ask your planner for personalised recommendations.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum wedding capacity?

Sextantio can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated wedding banquet in the two-level dining room.

How many guests can stay overnight?

The 29 rooms across the village provide 60 beds. Additional accommodation options are available in the surrounding area.

What is the wedding menu like?

The menu features traditional Abruzzese cuisine: hot and cold antipasti, two first courses, a meat main course with seasonal vegetables, wedding cake, fruit and dessert buffet, regional wines, liqueurs, coffee, and sparkling wine. Menus start from €150 per person, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests.

Is the venue exclusive use?

Yes — Sextantio hosts only one event per day, ensuring your wedding has the full attention of the venue team and the privacy of the entire village setting.

How do we get there?

Santo Stefano di Sessanio is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Rome and 1 hour 15 minutes from Pescara. The nearest airports are Rome Fiumicino (2 hours) and Pescara (1 hour 20 minutes). The mountain roads are well-maintained but transfers can be arranged.

What makes this venue unique?

Sextantio is a restored medieval village at 1,250 metres altitude in the Gran Sasso National Park. It holds one Michelin Key and is a member of Design Hotels. The restoration project is internationally recognised for preserving the village's authentic character through ethnographic research — every room, every object, every detail honours the identity of this extraordinary place.

Overnight Stay

Stay Experience

Sextantio Albergo Diffuso offers 29 rooms with 60 beds scattered throughout the restored medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. One Michelin Key, Design Hotels member.

Room Inventory

Approximately 29 rooms and suites available for guest stays.

Starting Rates

From €220 per night

Signature Amenities

One Michelin Key (2024 & 2025)Design Hotels MemberXO Private MemberTraditional Abruzzese RestaurantBridal SuiteMountain Setting at 1,250mGran Sasso National ParkFree ParkingPet Friendly

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