Sextantio Albergo Diffuso: the rebirth of Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Introduction

Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a medieval village nestled in the majestic mountains of Abruzzo, represents an epic story of architectural regeneration. In an Italy marked by the slow but gradual depopulation of villages, projects like the Sextantio Albergo Diffuso emerge as inspiring examples of how regeneration can preserve and revitalize ancient hamlets.

From economic boom to dropouts

Since the 1950s/60s, many Italian villages have fallen victim to a slow demographic hemorrhage. Migration to the cities has turned these ancient settlements into thousands of urban specters scattered throughout Italy. Moreover, the very policies geared toward tourist redeployment have often compromised the harmony with the surrounding landscape that makes these villages enchanting. With 70 percent of Italian municipalities having fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, it is easy to predict that many villages will be abandoned in the coming decades.

The diffuse hotel

Against a backdrop of global crisis, especially in earthquake-stricken Abruzzo in 2009, a new model of development based on autonomous cultural projects has emerged that has brought remarkable results, as evidenced by the successful case of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, where hotel businesses have grown from one to 15.

Sextantio Albergo Diffuso is indeed a compelling example of how architectural regeneration can safeguard historic villages, unleashing waves of sustainable tourism in their surroundings. The original identity of the project influences every detail, respecting the culture and traditions of the village's ancestors. The "diffuse hotel" format perfectly integrates the presence of visitors into the authentic life of the village, without building new structures.

These considerations lead to the proposal to define a specific heritage, accompanied by an ad hoc planning and development model for places that have had little relevance in the recent past. This model is focused on the protection of original identities, and it requires simple but effective regulatory rules. Land regulation, with special attention to historic mountain villages subject to abandonment, could benefit from strict measures, limiting new construction in the absence of specific urban planning needs.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Santo Stefano di Sessanio, located over 1250 meters above sea level in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, tells the story of medieval encastellation. These highland villages, surrounded by fortified walls, have remained among the main historical-topographical elements of the imaginary Italian landscape.

Preserving local traditions

The regeneration of the hamlet embraces the revival of local traditions down to the smallest details, from handcrafted textiles to handmade furniture in the natural colors of the Abruzzo mountains. In addition to preserving the integrity of the hamlet, the project has introduced innovative procedures through agreements with local authorities. The goal is to ensure that tourist redevelopment does not involve the loss of territorial identities.

Conservation constraints

The concept of "minor historic heritage" refers to architecture that was created by the community with craft skills, and shaped over time based on the subsistence needs of local communities. It differs from classical heritage, which is instead characterized by unique design.

The discipline of rehabilitating this kind of heritage follows strict guidelines, including the preservation of original dimensions and forms, the exclusive use of salvaged architectural materials, and the protection of original uses. In addition, the preservation of traces of living, such as time-scarred plasters, becomes crucial to preserving the authentic soul of these places.

A Future of Sustainability

Projects such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio invite us to imagine a constructive future for minor historic heritages. This path involves policies to protect the landscape, avoiding total or substantial abandonment without new construction. The conservation approach, extended to interiors and furnishings, strives to repurpose original elements, keeping alive the agro-pastoral tradition that shaped these hamlets.

In conclusion, attention to detail and respect for cultural roots make Santo Stefano di Sessanio an ode to architectural regeneration, opening a window to the past and creating a sustainable way forward.