Rocca Calascio is a fortress located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. It is one of the highest fortresses in Italy, situated at an altitude of 1,460 meters (4,790 feet) above sea level.
Built in the 10th century, Rocca Calascio was originally constructed as a watchtower to defend against potential invaders. It was later expanded into a fortress in the 16th century by the Medici family, who ruled the region at the time.
The fortress is built from local limestone and has a triangular shape with a central tower and two smaller towers at the corners. The walls are up to 10 meters (33 feet) thick, and there are several interior courtyards and rooms, including a chapel and a cistern for collecting rainwater.
Rocca Calascio was abandoned in the 19th century and fell into disrepair, but it was restored in the 20th century and is now a popular tourist destination. The fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and is a popular spot for hiking and photography. It has also been used as a filming location for several movies, including "The Name of the Rose" and "Ladyhawke".