Santo Stefano di Sessanio is classed as one of the most picturesque medieval villages in Italy and is in a most attractive setting on the mountain plain of Campo Imperatore.

It is an easy drive from Villa Mandorla and can be part of a fascinating tour of the Campo and its lovely villages and historic sites.

As this photograph illustrates, the village is a maze of characterful vaulted alleyways.

The centre of Santo Stefano was dominated by an impressive round tower called the 'medicea' for its coat of arms of the great Florentine Medici family. They replaced the Piccolimini family as feudal lords here in the 16th century.

Unfortunately, the tower was a casualty of the earthquake in April, 2009. Hopefully the tower will be repaired, but meanwhile the village still remains a beautiful place to visit.