L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2023 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano S anto Stefano di Sessanio is a tes- timony to Italy's medieval heritage, l o c a t e d i n the Gran Sasso National P a r k . This small village, perched at an altitude of 1250 meters, is surrounded by the peaks of the Abruzzo region, offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and nat- ural beauty. Historically, Santo Stefano di Sessanio has roots that delve deep into the annals of time. Originating in the 14th century, this quaint village was not just another dot on the map but a bustling center of life and commerce: agricul- ture and pastoral activities w e r e t h e l i f e b l o o d o f i t s inhabitants, with fertile lands yielding bountiful harvests season after season. But it wasn't just agricul- ture that put Santo Stefano di Sessanio on the map. The vil- lage caught the discerning eye of the De Medici fami- ly, one of the most powerful and influential clans in Italy. Under their patronage, the village became an economic powerhouse for the Signoria o f F l o r e n c e . T h e s e c r e t behind this meteoric rise? The "Carfagna" wool. This locally-produced wool was of such exquisite quality that it was sought after far and wide. A f t e r b e i n g s h e a r e d a n d processed in Tuscany's textile mills, garments made from t h i s w o o l w e r e t r a d e d t h r o u g h o u t E u r o p e , c o n - tributing to the prosperity of the village. However, as the pages of history turned, the tides of fortune ebbed. Following the Unification of Italy, Santo Stefano di Sessanio faced c h a l l e n g i n g t i m e s , a s t h e once-thriving village saw a decline in its fortunes. One of t h e p r i m a r y r e a s o n s w a s the significant emigra- tion, as many of its inhabi- tants sought better opportu- nities elsewhere. The bustling streets grew quieter, and the vibrancy of its heydays faded into memory. But the allure of Santo Ste- fano di Sessanio didn't go unnoticed. Italian-Swedish e n t r e p r e n e u r D a n i e l e Kihlgren was captivated by its charm and took the initia- tive to purchase and restore many of its abandoned hous- es. These restoration efforts prioritized the architectural and cultural integrity of the village. Today, many of these homes are part of the Alber- go Diffuso Sextantio pro- ject, which aims to transform a b a n d o n e d h o u s e s i n t o accommodations for tourists. This innovative approach has breathed new life into the vil- lage: instead of building a tra- ditional hotel, the idea was to transform these once-aban- doned houses into unique accommodations for tourists. Each room tells a story, and each window offers a glimpse into the village's storied past. This innovative approach not only provided visitors with an immersive experience but also injected vitality back into the village's veins. Visiting Santo Stefano di Sessanio is akin to stepping back in time. Its limestone b u i l d i n g s a n d t e r r a c o t t a roofs, interlaced with a maze of narrow alleys, offer a har- monious blend of style and architectural decor. Although the 2009 earthquake dam- aged some of its iconic struc- tures, the village has largely retained its integrity. Notable landmarks include the P o r t a M e d i c e a , the main entrance to the village adorned with the De' Medici family crest, and the Torre Medicea , a 14th-century tower that once served as a lookout point. The Chiesa Madre di Santo Stefano Martire stands outside the city walls, narrating tales of the past through its 18th-cen- tury paintings. The Palazzo del Capi- tano, built by the De Medici a s t h e i r n o b l e r e s i d e n c e , showcases late-Gothic bifore windows and a Renaissance- style loggia. It is not only the village to be filled with historical trea- sures, but also its surround- i n g s : t h e C h i e s a d e l l a Madonna del Lago, locat- ed near a lake, provides a t r a n q u i l a t m o s p h e r e t h a t transforms beautifully with each season. In close proximi- ty to this church stands the i m p r e s s i v e C a s t e l l o d i Rocca Calascio, which has b e e n f e a t u r e d i n p o p u l a r movies such as Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose. Just a few kilometers away, t h e G r o t t e d i S t i f f e i s a n enchanting network of karst caves that are sure to mes- merize any visitor. Santo Stefano di Sessanio offers more than just a typical village experience. It invites visitors on a journey through Italy's fascinating history, cul- ture, and stunning natural scenery. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusi- ast, or just seeking a serene escape, this village guarantees an unforgettable adventure. E v e r y y e a r , o n the 19th of Sep- t e m b e r , t h e bustling streets of Naples come alive with fervent devotion and vibrant celebrations, all centered around the Feast of San Gennaro. San Gennaro, the Bishop of Benevento, met a tragic end as a martyr in 305 AD, persecuted for his Christian beliefs. Yet, his legacy lives on, immortalized in the city's most significant religious fes- tival: the heart of this cele- bration is the D u o m o o f Naples, where a miracle is e a g e r l y a n t i c i p a t e d e v e r y year: the liquefaction of S a n G e n n a r o ' s d r i e d blood. Legend has it that a woman collected his blood after his decapitation, and it w a s b r o u g h t t o N a p l e s , where it miraculously turned to liquid eight days later. This phenomenon, witnessed annually, is a symbol of the enduring bond between the s a i n t a n d t h e c i t y : i f t h e blood liquefies, it's seen as a blessing, a sign that San Gen- n a r o s t i l l w a t c h e s o v e r N a p l e s . B u t i f i t r e m a i n s solid, it's taken as a forebod- ing omen. The day is marked with a solemn religious ceremony at the Duomo. Thousands gath- er, their eyes fixed on the sealed vials containing the saint's coagulated blood; as the Cardinal removes them f r o m t h e r e l i q u a r y w h e r e they are kept, and takes them to the cathedral's high altar, a n t i c i p a t i o n f i l l s t h e a i r . When the miracle occurs, as it often does, joyous church bells ring out, echoing the city's collective sigh of relief. But the Feast of San Gen- naro is not just about this miraculous event, because the streets of Naples trans- form into a carnival of sorts. After the religious ceremony, a procession winds its way through the historic center, with stalls selling toys, trin- kets, and local delicacies lin- ing the pathways. The festivi- ties continue for eight days, culminating when the reli- quary is returned to its right- ful place. While scientists and skep- tics might debate the veracity of the blood liquefaction, for the people of Naples, it's a matter of faith, a tradition t h a t b i n d s g e n e r a t i o n s . Whether you're a believer or a curious observer, the Feast o f S a n G e n n a r o o f f e r s a g l i m p s e i n t o t h e s o u l o f Naples, a city where the past and present live together and where faith somehow contin- ues to shape everyday life. A mural of San Gennaro in Naples (Photo: Lucamato/Dreamstime) A scenic view of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, in the L'Aquila province of Abruzzo (Photo: Stefano Valeri/Dreamstime) San Gennaro: Naples' spiritual heartbeat Santo Stefano di Sessanio: a timeless jewel in Abruzzo LA VITA ITALIANA TRADITIONS HISTORY CULTURE

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