Rather than erecting a conventional hotel in the Abbruzzese mountain village, Sextantio Albergo Diffuso ingeniously incorporated twenty-nine contemporary boutique hotel rooms into the existing structures—dispersed throughout the borgo, weaving them among the various houses and buildings. Its reception, restaurant, rooms, and suites blend discreetly among the town’s architectural heritage, preserving its authentic character. This innovative concept, known as albergo diffuso in Italian, translates to “distributed hotel” in English.
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“[In our conservation projects] the essential integrity of a building will always be maintained, though we find contemporary solutions for modern day living”
— Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
Despite offering some swanky amenities in a town that’s hardly changed over the centuries, Sextantio’s renovation is as sensitive as it gets. While the atmosphere remains strictly classic, the comforts are decidedly modern, including radiant underfloor heating, high-speed internet, and all the conveniences of the 21st century. Bathrooms feature fittings by Philippe Starck, a thoughtful nod to the challenges of plumbing in the 16th century. The occasional massive egg-shaped bathtub is a welcome innovation seamlessly integrated into the renovations. That’s the entire ethos of this place—to blend modern comfort with historic charm. Additionally, guests can enjoy breakfast or a digestif at the little cantina, and savor extremely authentic Abruzzese cuisine at the restaurant.
“Our approach to conservation includes the retention of traces of life found in the fabric of the building – part of the life-cycle of former residents in the places where they were born, lived, and died.” — Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
The rooms are more than just spaces; they’re a living testament to generations past. Daniele Kihlgren, the hotel’s passionate founder, was committed to preserving the essence of this historical experience. Thus, every scar and mark on the walls tells a story, preserving the legacy of those who once inhabited them. To achieve authenticity, Kihlgren and the interior designers meticulously researched archival photos and oral histories, even consulting with anthropologists to recreate rooms true to their historical roots.
Kihlgren scoured cellars and landfills for Sextantio’s recycled materials, repurposing them for floors, fireplaces, and furniture. These relics fill the rooms alongside wool mattresses set on wooden planks, blankets adorned with traditional patterns, and handmade soaps and candles crafted using traditional techniques. These simple luxuries complement the contemporary amenities.
“We will not betray the identity of the buildings we restore. We will retain the residential aspects of the buildings—in keeping with their original function.”
— Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
The concept of Albergo Diffuso implies that urban planning and architecture, for certain specific and historical sites, should not simply serve its final purpose but that it should first and foremost respect the local heritage and character. Sextantio’s mission in their restoration projects is to “save all forms of territorial identity”: the Landscape, the history, the architecture and local materials—crafting them into truly unique places.
Kihlgren has devoted himself to safeguarding towns like Santo Stefano from modern development, showcasing that progress can be achieved without extensive rebuilding. A testament to this dedication is his other hotel, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera. Here, amidst a town celebrated for its houses carved into hillsides, Kihlgren’s hotel breathes new life into historic caves, offering yet another immersive albergo diffuso experience. We featured the Matera project as one of the Travel+Style hotels.
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
Nestled in the untamed landscape of Abruzzo, just a two-hour drive from Rome airport, Sextantio invites guests to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region. With wine country, a stunning national park, and an array of historical sites nearby, the village offers a captivating journey through Italy’s past and present.
Alternatively, book Sextantio Albergo Diffuso via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Text in parts via Tablet Hotels (edited and modified to fit the format).
Official Website. Photos © Sextantio Albergo Diffuso
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 28/04/2024
