The stronghold and the church of Santa Maria della Pietà, located in the town of Calascio, at 1,500 meters of altitude on the Gran Sasso range, represent a particularly evocative building complex.
The Calascio Stronghold was fortified and expanded during the 15th century by the Piccolomini family, and it represents one of highest fortifications of the entire country. From its position, it overlooks the entire Navelli Plain and the Tirino Valley.
Near the stronghold, you will find the small church of Santa Maria della Pietà, build upon an ancient aedicule. The current building, built during the 16th century, presents an octagonal plan with an eight-segments dome on top. The sacristy is found close to the main part of the building.
The entrance to the fortalice with four fortified towers is located 5 meters from the ground, and it is thus believed that once a wooden ladder was used to access the structure.
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