Calcata: one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio

Calcata is a charming medieval village located about 40 kilometers from Rome, in the province of Viterbo, along the Treja Valley. It rises on a tuff hill, perched on a rocky spur, a typical feature of fortified sites that developed along this valley.

Today, the village is a very popular tourist destination in Tuscia, a magical place where time seems to have stood still. At about 600 meters above sea level, it boasts a breathtaking landscape rich in history that envelops visitors in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

The history of Calcata

Founded in the Middle Ages, Calcata reached its peak between the 16th and 17th centuries, when it became an important commercial, religious, and military center.

While its position provided natural protection, its inaccessibility also led to isolation. In the 1930s, it was declared unsafe and uninhabitable. All its residents were forced to abandon the old village and move to a safer area: Calcata Nuova.

These new homes were built around the 1960s thanks to the urban plan of Paolo Portoghesi. The Roman architect, a leading figure of Postmodernism, was so deeply fascinated by this small town in Viterbo that he began to promote it and make it more widely known. The new Calcata was built on one of the properties of the Anguillara family, originally a summer residence with olive groves, which gave way to a new residential area for the displaced inhabitants.

The rebirth of Calcata: the village of artists

Deserted until the 1960s, subsequent hydrogeological surveys declared the old village perfectly safe and habitable.

It was in these years that Calcata flourished again, repopulated by artists from all over the world. Attracted by the tranquility of the place, they decided to move here to best express their art, inspired by the magical and evocative atmosphere.

Its rebirth was also due to the construction of a new road, which made the village much more accessible than in the past.

In the main square, visitors are greeted by three unique tuff thrones, the whimsical work of sculptor Costantino Morosin, one of the first artists to settle in the old village.

The caves of Calcata

A distinctive feature of Tuscia are the cavities, or caves, found around sites built on rocky spurs, both those still inhabited and those abandoned and in ruins since the 1500s.

They are abundant here as well. Some believe they were Etruscan tombs, though there is no official confirmation. Others suggest they were Etruscan cisterns later used during the Early Middle Ages as cave dwellings.

Today, after restoration and safety checks, many of these caves or cellars are used by artists and artisans to display their works, or in some cases, converted into restaurants where visitors can taste the delicacies of the region.

Calcata: the village of witches

According to an ancient legend, when a strong wind blows through Calcata’s alleys, one can hear the singing of witches. It is also said that this ancient village was once the setting for magical rites.

Visiting Calcata is like living an “out-of-this-world” experience. The medieval village is accessed through a single gate in the fortifications. Beyond it lies the small square with the three tuff thrones, overlooked by the Anguillara Castle and the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus. From here, the village’s alleys unfold, where houses alternate with artists’ workshops set up in dark cellars and silent caves, enhancing the enchanted atmosphere.

Whether legend, folklore, or rumor, the feeling one experiences in this small town is akin to a spell.

What to see in Calcata

Exploring this small and extravagant village, you will wander through narrow streets and eventually find yourself overlooking the Treja Valley.

Couples and romantics should not miss the picturesque alley known as the “kissing passage,” perfect for a stroll and a memorable photo.

Also noteworthy is the Baronial Palace—or Palazzo degli Anguillara—now home to the Treja Valley Regional Park. Visitors can also admire the picturesque houses along the cliff and the famous secret gate that, descending through the caves, leads to the river and then to Mazzano Romano.

What to do in Calcata

Calcata offers a wide range of recreational activities.

In summer, you can enjoy a relaxing day at nearby Lake Vico, take long walks in the surrounding woods, and admire spectacular views from the many trails.

It is a magical and mysterious place waiting to be discovered, where history and charm combine to captivate even the most demanding traveler.

Calcata and gastronomy

Calcata is not only magical and mysterious but also a paradise for food lovers. Among its specialties are olive oil, truffles, and Calcata’s rustic bread. In the village’s restaurants—some located in the famous caves—you can taste local products such as excellent cured meats and cheeses, accompanied by fine local wines or spelt polenta with a rich truffle cream.

Calcata in cinema

Thanks to its picturesque nature, this unique village has been the set for many films, such as La mazzetta with Nino Manfredi and Ugo Tognazzi, or Amici Miei. Fabrizio De André also filmed his single Una storia sbagliata here.

There is little more to add, except to recommend a visit—just a short distance from the capital!

photo credits  Visit Lazio