Castelvecchio Calvisio and Rocca Calascio

Rocca Calascio, the castle

On the southern slopes of the Gran Sasso chain, on a high hump that closes the underlying Tirino Valley, lies the ancient fortified town of Castelvecchio Calvisio.

The small town is one of the most charming towns in the Abruzzo mountains for its urban structure that seems to follow the plan of a Roman "castrum". The main road is intersected at right angles by cross characterized by steep outside stairs with steps that protrude from the walls as shelves. There are many photographic opportunities for those who like to portray spontaneous architecture, although the earthquake of April 6, 2009 has greatly damaged this valuable and unique example of architecture of Abruzzo.

Walking in silence for its narrow streets covered by shoring swells the heart of sadness and helplessness and you wonder if you will have the foresight and willingness to give back the strength and the beauty to these stones placed one upon the other with knowledge and passion by our predecessors.

The tour continues to Calascio and its fortress that dominates the landscape. The Rock of Calascio probably originates from a small Roman garrison placed in control of the territory just subtracted at the local people called Vestini. The reassuring presence of the military fostered the creation of shepherds and farmers settlements.

From a height of 1500 meters gaze sweeps over breathtaking views: from Maiella massif to Sirente, to the distant mountains of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise; a sequence of tormented hills leads the eyee towards Campo Imperatore and the Gran Sasso chain.

The place is known to the public because the fortress was location of numerous films including "Lady Hawke", the beautiful fairy tale set in the Middle Ages. In every season , the Rock and the town’s ruins, are favorite subjects of many photographers, who come here to find a magical atmosphere in an always different light.

Just below is well worth a visit to Calascio, founded by the people who abandoned the fortress after a terrible earthquake in 1703, the drip of inhabitant lasted until the middle of last century, when the last family left the old village in 1957.

 

Photo Gallery

Schedule

The schedule will be adapted to the weather conditions.

 

Content

- Morning and afternoon sessions of shots in all the area affected by the Tour/WS in a pre-selected range of the most interesting places for this time of year

- On location instructions and discussions on composition and technique

- Criticism and discussion of photos taken during the Tour/WS

- Lectures on composition, scene selection, technique, post-processing, etc.

- Knowledge and use of your own camera

- Optimization of the shooting parameters management

- Interpretation of the landscape

- Framing research

- Composition and light management

 

Crew

2 x Photographers

1 x ws Manager (he will assist participants and photographers in any demands)

In case of 5 participants the WS Manager will drive the minibus during the shooting.

In case of more partecipants the photographers will drive the additional minibuses or car (depending on the number of people).

 

Requirements

There are no specific expectations for the skill level of the participants. You will likely have been interested in photography for some years and have acquired a digital SLR and a few lenses. However less experienced photographers are equally welcome. The teachers will adapt the Tour/WS at the level of each participant.

We welcome photographers with any type of camera.

 

On location conditions

We will send you info 1 week before the Tour/WS

 

for information and reservation