Hidden Italian Treasures: Exploring Calcata, the Cliffside Village

① A Small Town Travel Destination in Italy

Italy stands as a quintessential European travel destination, drawing visitors from all over the world. Besides the famous landmarks, the country also harbors numerous hidden gems for those seeking less crowded locales.

Calcata is one of those destinations that often escapes the radar of Korean tourists exploring Italy. It is located about 29.2 miles north of Rome, easily accessible within an hour’s drive from Rome.

Although it’s not a mainstream travel destination in Italy, it attracts travelers with its breathtaking scenery. Located in Valle del Treja, a regional natural park, this location is one of the most historic places in Italy. Naturally fortified along the Francigena, it was initially constructed as a fortress to ward off potential invasions.

② The Village Built on a Cliff

Even in photos, the place looks vertiginous, but it was a village where people resided until the 1930s. However, the risk of collapse prompted the inhabitants to abandon the settlement gradually.

Calcata, once known as an abandoned area in Italy, saw artists flock here to convert the abandoned village into an art village in the 1960s. After the government withdrew the eviction order, the artists settled in.

Now, the village has more tourists than residents.

Calcata has been the backdrop for several movies. The sight of its medieval village perched on a cliff offers a majestic spectacle that captures the eye.

Although Calcata is not a well-managed travel destination, anyone can feel its unique charm. Strolling through the alleys allows for a nostalgic journey into the past. In the village, you will encounter artists’ studios in the caves. Visiting the Valley of Treja is highly recommended for those who like trekking.

③ Difficult to Visit by Public Transportation

Calcata is an excellent place to visit during a trip to Rome. However, if you are a traveler without a car, you may find it difficult to visit there. You can visit by public transportation, but you must take the subway, train, and bus.

You must take the regional train from Flaamino station to Montebello-Viterbo and get off at Saxa Rubra after eight stops. Then you need to head to the bus terminal and get to Calcata. It would be best if you got off at Calcata Vecchia. Since there is no ticket office in Calcata, you must buy a round-trip bus ticket.

If you are a first-time visitor, you may find the place somewhat challenging to reach. Make sure to tell the bus driver your destination. They may just pass it by otherwise. It’s a good idea for a tourist to use a day tour package. You can explore without any burden by choosing a tour departing from Rome.