I just realized that I NEVER wrote a review for my visit to Rifugio della Rocca. And while my…read morevisit took place in 2016, it requires a review because this hidden gem is a diamond in the rough!
I created my itinerary of a road trip through southern Italy in a manner that allowed us to be at Rifugio della Rocca for my birthday night. Its such a unique place that I thought it would be perfect to spend my birthday somewhere special. Maybe all of the Italians go here, but its definitely off the beaten path.
You have to understand that what this place is, is essentially a hotel and restaurant. However, what makes it unique is that its quite a way up a narrow road in the mountains above Aquila. Further it has been created from a small village that was abandoned for I have no idea how long. I'I believe it was also damaged in the large earthquakes of that area in 1461. But a family decided to take the village and turn the individual "cottages" into lodging accommodations. Every room is different and every room is ancient and made of stone and very rustic. They have different amenities and are different sizes, one is an apartment, some have multiple rooms, some have kitchen facilities. There are not many and you can review them to choose the one you want. We stayed in the Hoope Hayloft room which was the last room at the end of the walk, so secluded and private with lovely views from outside our door. As i said, it's rustiv, but we were comfortable. I picked this one for the privacy and the BATHTUB!
It was cold and sunny while we were there, which was fantastic. Rifugio della Rocca sits below the Rocca Calascio, a watchtower, turned fortress that was badly damaged in the 1461 earthquake. Its a short hike to the tower and along the way you pass a beautiful little octagonal church called Santa Maria della Pietà. It truly is a beautiful area and you can still crawl around and explore the ruins of the Rocca Calascio. There are days that the tower has more areas open and docent lead tours as well. Unfortunately I didn't plan that part quite so well! Hiking and exploring the tower and surrounding area is what you do here!
There is a restaurant as part of Rifugio della Rocca and I'm kicking myself for this, but while I probably have pictures of what I ate, I don't have them with me and cannot for the life of me remember what we had for dinner! I remember feeling happy and satisfied, though! Breakfast in Italy is always pastries and cheeses and fruit. the one thing I will never forget is that the young man who was there while we were there (I believe everyone working there is family) made the absolutely BEST cappuccino that I have ever had. Now, I'm not much of a coffee fanatic, but I enjoy a cappuccino or latte now and again, but I was in awe and was heartbroken at the thought of never drinking that cappuccino again. It was delicious!
Important to note, this is NOT a place that works well for those who are access challenged. You must park down the hill from the town and drag your luggage up a cobblestone driveway, although I think they have handicapped parking at the top. Once at the top, getting around the property, you will encounter uneven walking paths made of stones, stairs, and you will not find elevators or modern conveniences! If you come here looking for luxury, you are in the wrong place. Its beautiful, peaceful, friendly and PERFECT, but not luxe. I believe that on weekends they have little shops and such open, maybe only in high season? We were here on a weekday, so those buildings were shuttered. You can also come here just to eat dinner and explore without staying.
I loved this visit, wish we'd stayed two nights just to enjoy the peace and beauty of the area and highly recommend it if you are looking to see the off the beaten path side of Italy!
