If you’re tired of the Chaos of the city, even if it’s the most beautiful city in the World Rome, we’d like to offer you one of our favorite destinations and completely out of the ordinary.
Calcata!
Calcata is only about 40 minutes away from Rome and it is a tiny hamlet perched on a spur of rocks overlooking the beautiful Treja Valley.
Like Civita di Bagnoregio, Calcata gained an eerie title of “Dying city” or “Ghost Town”. Its frail bones are made of a malleable kind of stone: Tuff Rock, present in the entire region, which has ceased its strength through the centuries, exposed to the elements decade after decade.
In fact, it’s because of the constant erosion that the town of Calcata is now reduced to a touristic attraction, with very few brave men who continue to live there. The majority of its inhabitants were forced to flee and leave their homes and their lives behind, with the precarious conditions the town is in and has been for hundreds of years.
Imagine this small hamlet, entirely built in stone, carved on top of a cliff with nothing but forest many feet below. Living here today, would be a pure act of bravery.
The peak of people leaving the town forever were during the first three decades of the 1900s. The reason why is that during the Fascist Era, Old Calcata, was registered as one of the towns that had to be dismantled.
This sad and inevitable departure has left a sort of veil of mystery and mysticism behind, predominant in the town to this day. A magical retreat. For the Hippie community, at least, that has made Calcata its Camp Base in the 60’s.
Requalifying this abandoned place by giving back it’s ancient charm, taking advantage of its uniqueness and tranquility, to elevate its artistic value.
To add even more mystery, Calcata is also called the “the Witches cove” by the locals. Legend has it, one can hear the witches whisper with the wind, blowing through the alleys and stone arches.
As you can imagine, Calcata is no ordinary village in the countryside. And by simply visiting it, you will soon realize it’s all too true.
View of old Calcata, Viterbo, Italy: Discover Calcata
Words cannot describe the sensations of just walking through the tiny stone streets, idyllic little houses with flower pots and lazy cats around every corner.
Between old workshops and digital culture, Calcata hosts a unique mix of inhabitants and visitors, creating a vibrant community.
There is one particular story that has made Calcata curiously known, especially to the devotional and religious field.
Inclusion is a big part of life in Calcata, encouraged by the town’s many Cultural Societies, promoting events like the Piazza Roma’s Vegetarians’ Association.
Or the many concerts, debates, conferences and art and sculpture classes that are held in a magnificent place called “Granarone”.
Legends, Art, Culture, but what about food? This town is full of surprises, and culinary traditions as well!
Calcata is the perfect location for film making, music videos and literary references, playing host to numerous pop culture moments.
At last, how much time to spend in Calcata? What is there to do afterwards?
Thank You for tuning in! We enjoy sharing stories with you, explaining Italy’s culture in everything there is to see.
you may be interested:
Discover the Wonders of Bomarzo, Caprarola, and Calcata Take this unforgettable tour, if you are looking to explore the surroundings of Rome: a journey to discover some truly amazing hidden gems of the region. The Monsters Park of Bomarzo, the quaint village of Caparola and the enchanted Calcata, will offer you a memorable experience. First Stop: The Monsters Park of Bomarzo Your tour begins with a pick up from your location and a picturesque drive to the Countryside. Bomarzo, approximately a one-hour drive from your starting point, hosts an enchanted park, immersed in the green hills and the forest. The so-called Parco dei Mostri (the monsters park) is an extraordinary and surreal garden filled with strange and unsettling sculptures. Inspired by Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, this unique site was created by Vicino Orsini, Duke of Bomarzo, in a rivalry against the illustriousness of Caprarola and the Villa Lante. Each corner of the park offers a fascinating story, blending fantasy with history in a way that is truly incomparable. Then you’ll head for Caprarola and the Palazzo Farnese From Bomarzo, you’ll continue to Caprarola, where you'll visit the renowned Palazzo Farnese, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. This palace was designed by Cardinal Farnese in 1525 and should’ve served as a fortress. However, it was later transformed in one of the most beautiful palaces in the region. Inside, you'll admire the exquisite work of celebrated artists. The palace is surrounded by the Summer and Winter Gardens, featuring fountains, grottoes, nymphaea, and an array of statues that line the paths between the hedges and grand staircases. Two bridges connect the palace to the vast Italian Garden and the park behind it, offering breathtaking views and serene landscapes. Note: If the Farnese Palace in Caprarola is closed on the day of your visit, an alternate stop at the magnificent Orsini-Odescalchi Castle of Bracciano will be arranged. This historic castle overlooks the tranquil Bracciano Lake, adding a unique charm to your itinerary. A Delicious Lunch Your private tour driver will be happy to make some recommendations on where to stop for a delicious local meal in one of the many great Trattorie or restaurants. Final Stop: The Enchanted Village of Calcata On the return journey to Rome, the final stop is Calcata, a beautifully preserved medieval village perched on a cliff. Once a prominent center of the ancient Faliscans, Calcata has evolved into one of the most picturesque and charming towns in the region. Its narrow streets, artisan shops, and panoramic views make it a perfect conclusion to your day of exploration.
price from €110.00
+39 06.999.77.65
+39 339.159.25.40
info@discoveryguidedtours.com
8 hours
