La Bottega is a project aimed at spreading the products of local handicrafts; it is a place that reflects the essence of the Sextantio project, dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Abruzzo's craft and cultural traditions, brought to life thanks to the research carried out, based on historical memory and iconographic sources.
Here the past comes to life through handcrafted, handmade objects and products that tell the story and identity of the area. The artifacts for sale are objects closely linked to local traditions, alongside a selection of gastronomic products from small producers in the region. The collaboration with the artisans and weavers of Santo Stefano di Sessanio helps not only to promote the identity of the place but to develop the local economy.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is an “widespread hotel” within a fortified medieval village in the mountains of the Gran Sasso National Park, Abruzzo, at an altitude of more than 1,250 meters.
It is the result of a recovery and tourism destination project that introduced unprecedented procedures to preserve the integrity of the historic village and surrounding landscape, through specific agreements with local authorities and ethnographic research created in collaboration with the “Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo” with the goal of preserving the original aesthetic appearance. To do this, salvaged architectural materials and poor furnishings with local handicraft objects, typical of the Abruzzo mountains, were used for the renovation. The fabrics and decorations are products of local crafts, made according to ancient traditions, such as the famous woven wool blankets, wrought iron objects and even candles.
The widespread hotel consists of 30 accommodations of 4 different types including rooms and suites, distributed in several houses in the village. Completely renovated, they maintain the rustic style and are elegantly furnished with old-fashioned furniture. The dining experience is also based on Abruzzo's gastronomic tradition: the menu at both restaurants, Il Cantinone and La Locanda sotto gli Archi, features dishes made with genuine local products.
During the stay, classes in typical Abruzzese cooking, baking and pastry making can be organized to learn the art of bread, fresh pasta and homemade desserts. Weaving and soap making classes recount the secret techniques that were handed down from mother to daughter to make typical woollen blankets and fragrant natural soaps. Trekking, horseback riding, picnics and gastronomic itineraries, with meals in nearby starred restaurants, round out Santo Stefano's offerings for an authentic and different vacation.
