Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a “albergo diffuso" among the mountains in Abruzzo, literally " a spread out hotel”, an italian concept  to bring back to life small abandoned villages and turned them into hotels. It is the result of a cultural heritage project aimed to preserve the integrity of the historic village and the surrounding landscape, through specific agreements with local authorities and an ethnographic research created in collaboration with the Museum of the People of Abruzzo. The final objective is the preservation of the original aesthetic appearance, which has led to the use of recycled architectural materials and poor furnishings with indigenous objects, typical of the Abruzzo mountains. The “albergo diffuse” consists of 30 accommodations of 4 different types between rooms and suites, distributed in several houses in the village. Completely renovated, they maintain the rustic style and are elegantly furnished with antique furniture of poor art. They are decorated with handicraft products made according to the local ancient traditions, such as the famous woollen blankets, wrought iron objects and even candles. The culinary experience is also based on the gastronomic tradition of Abruzzo. Meals, based on fresh and genuine products, can be eaten at the two restaurants of Santo Stefano: “Il Cantinone” and “La Locanda sotto gli Archi”. Both have furnishings and tableware that evoke times gone by. The stay includes Abruzzo’s cooking lessons to learn the art of bread, homemade cakes and fresh pasta. All courses at Santo Stefano tell the secret techniques handed down from mother to daughter, to make the typical woollen blankets and fragrant natural soaps. Trekking, horseback riding, picnics and gastronomic itineraries, with meals in starred restaurants in the surrounding area, complete the offer of Santo Stefano for an authentic and different vacation.