 In the 12th century, Santo Stefano was part of the Baronage of Carapelle, which included Castel del Monte, Calascio, Capestrano, Carapelle, Castelvecchio, Ofena, and Villa S. Lucia.The still standing village portal and now destroyed circular tower (the town's most notable architectural landmark) were constructed by the Medicis.The entrance portal, which leads to the village's main square, is emblazoned with the Medici coat of arms.