Calcata: A Day Trip from Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a unique and quirky day trip from Rome, you might want to consider visiting Calcata, a medieval hill town that has been transformed into a bohemian haven by artists and hippies. Calcata is located about 40 kilometers north of Rome, in the Treja valley, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the river below.

Calcata is divided into two parts: Calcata Vecchia (Old Calcata) and Calcata Nuova (New Calcata). Calcata Vecchia is the original village that dates back to the Etruscan times, and it sits on top of a volcanic rock that rises 450 feet above the ground. Calcata Nuova is the modern village that was built in the 1960s, when the government ordered the evacuation of Calcata Vecchia for safety reasons.

However, Calcata Vecchia was not demolished as planned, and instead it became a refuge for artists and hippies who moved in and restored the abandoned houses. Today, Calcata Vecchia is a colorful and eccentric place, where you can find art galleries, studios, cafes, restaurants, and even a museum dedicated to the Holy Foreskin (yes, you read that right).

Calcata is a perfect destination for those who love art, nature, history, and mystery. You can explore the narrow alleys and stone houses of Calcata Vecchia, admire the artworks and crafts of the local artists, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the cozy restaurants, hike along the Treja river and visit the nearby waterfalls and caves, or join one of the festivals and events that take place throughout the year.

Getting There

By Public Transport

If you don't have a car, you can still reach Calcata by public transport, but you will need to take a combination of metro, train, and bus. Here are the steps:

• Take the metro line A to Flaminio station.
• From Flaminio station, take the light-rail train service to Saxa Rubra station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and you can use your Rome metrebus pass for this leg.
• From Saxa Rubra station, take a Cotral bus to Calcata Vecchia. The bus journey takes about 55 minutes and you will need to buy a ticket from the ticket office before boarding. A one-way ticket costs €2.80 per person. Make sure you buy a return ticket as well, as there is no ticket office in Calcata.
• The bus will drop you off at Calcata Nuova, where you will find a large carpark called 'Parcheggio Calcata Centro Storico'. From there, you will need to walk for about 15-20 minutes to reach Calcata Vecchia. The walk is scenic and offers panoramic views of the old village and the valley.

By Car

If you have a car, getting to Calcata is much easier and faster. You can take the Cassia bis (SS2) road towards Viterbo, and exit at Settevene. Then follow the signs for Calcata until you reach Calcata Nuova. You will need to park your car at 'Parcheggio Calcata Centro Storico' and walk to Calcata Vecchia as well.

The driving time from Rome to Calcata is about one hour, depending on traffic. Parking is paid, so remember to bring some coins for the ticket machine.

Top Attractions at Calcata

The Medieval Village

The main attraction of Calcata is the village itself, which looks like a fairy-tale castle perched on a volcanic rock. The village dates back to the Etruscan era and has a rich history of art, culture and religion. You can explore the narrow alleys, stone houses, arches and stairways that make up this enchanting place. You can also admire the views of the Treja valley and the surrounding countryside from the panoramic terrace.

The Museum of the Holy Foreskin

One of the most curious and controversial attractions of Calcata is the Museum of the Holy Foreskin, which displays a replica of the alleged relic of Jesus' circumcision. The original relic was kept in Calcata's church for centuries, until it mysteriously disappeared in 1983. The museum tells the story of the relic and its cult, as well as displaying other religious objects and artworks related to Calcata's history.

More Attractions

• The Church of Santissimo Nome di Gesù: This is the main church of Calcata, built in the 16th century on the site of an ancient temple. It has a simple facade and a baroque interior with frescoes, paintings and statues.
• The Art Galleries: Calcata is home to many artists and creatives who have opened their studios and galleries to the public. You can visit them and see their works, ranging from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and jewelry.
• The Caves: Calcata is surrounded by natural caves that were used as dwellings, tombs and sanctuaries by the ancient inhabitants of the area. You can explore some of them and see the traces of their past.

Activities and Experiences

Hiking in the Treja Valley Regional Park

Calcata is located within the Treja Valley Regional Park, a natural reserve that protects the flora and fauna of the area. You can enjoy hiking along the trails that cross the park, following the river Treja and its waterfalls. You can also visit other medieval villages nearby, such as Mazzano Romano and Nepi.

Workshops and Events

Calcata offers a variety of workshops and events for visitors who want to learn new skills or have fun. You can join pottery, painting, yoga, meditation, cooking or wine tasting classes, or attend concerts, festivals, exhibitions or markets that take place throughout the year.

Lesser Known Stories and Interesting Facts about Calcata

Calcata is a village full of surprises and secrets. Here are some lesser known stories and interesting facts about it:

• The Legend of the Witch: According to a local legend, there was once a witch who lived in Calcata and had a magic mirror that could show her anything she wanted. One day, she asked the mirror to show her the most beautiful woman in the world, expecting to see herself. But instead, she saw a young girl who lived in Calcata. Enraged by jealousy, she decided to kill her rival by throwing her into a well. However, as she was about to do so, she slipped and fell into the well herself, breaking her mirror and cursing herself forever.
• The Mystery of the Relic: The Holy Foreskin was one of the most venerated relics in Christianity, as it was believed to be the only physical remains of Jesus on earth. It was brought to Calcata by a crusader knight in 1527, after it was stolen from Rome during the sack of the city by Charles V's troops. It was kept in Calcata's church until 1983, when it vanished without a trace. No one knows what happened to it or who took it. Some say it was stolen by thieves or vandals, others say it was hidden by priests or locals, others say it was taken by angels or aliens.
• The Revival of the Village: In the 1930s, Calcata was declared unsafe by Mussolini's government because of its crumbling cliffs. A new village was built nearby and all the residents were forced to move there. The old village was left abandoned for decades, until some artists and hippies discovered it in the 1960s and decided to restore it and live there. They created a bohemian community that attracted more artists and visitors from all over the world. Today, Calcata is a vibrant and colorful place that celebrates its artistic and cultural heritage.