Located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, in the highest region of the Apennines, this medieval hill town sits adjacent to the high plain of Campo Imperatore.

[3] The tiny medieval village of Santo Stefano lay largely abandoned with many of its ancient buildings in ruins and only 70 inhabitants until recent years.

[5] However, with its distance to Rome of 154 kilometres (96 mi) by car, or less than two hours' drive, the small village has become a fashionable weekend and summer retreat.

The village's main source of income is tourism with small boutiques, art galleries and eateries tucked into ancient stone structures.

Along with its neighbor Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano has been named one of Italy's prettiest villages, "I Borghi Piu belli D’Italia", and recognized by the Slow Food movement for its sustainable agriculture, in particular its gourmet lentils, "lenticchie".