A beautiful European town located 31 miles away from a major city makes for a perfect place to spend a weekend getaway. Calcata in Italy is located in the region of Lazio and is immensely popular for being built on cliffs.
The small medieval town appears frozen in time and offers a taste of an alternative Italy.
Located on the edge of a cliff, the walkable town can be covered in a day and is visited by tourists due to its close proximity to Rome.
In the 1930s, due to safety concerns about crumbling cliffs, the old town of Calcata Vecchia was abandoned. A new village, Calcata Nuova, was constructed on a nearby higher plateau.
Decades later, the abandoned settlement (Calcata Vecchia) was rediscovered by a different kind of resident: artists and creatives from Italy and abroad.
They began to inhabit the historic buildings, restoring ruins and revitalising the ancient village into a bohemian haven.
Today, the village retains some of its sleepy, abandoned village atmosphere, but with revitalised dwellings, flower pots lining the alleys, and reclaimed spaces.
Visitors can explore artists’ studios, cozy cafes, and tradition restaurants during the visit.
One can find several nice cafe spots on the narrow alleys of the town.
Every alley in the area is Instagram-worthy with several tourists posting it on social media sites.
In the main square, you will find the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Castle of the Anguillara, complete with its tower.
Dating back to the 1400s, the church underwent restoration in the late 1700s.
The castle, which previously accommodated the Elementary School, Medical Clinic, and Post Office, stands as a prominent feature.
Many of those who had a chance to visit this undiscovered spot were left mesmerised by its beauty.
One user wrote on TripAdvisor: “There is a lot to see in Calcata. Firstly the houses are carved in rocks and is an entertainment to taste the awesome Italian cuisine, definitely worth a visit. However, parking is scarce.”
A second user said: “This little village out of Rome is perfect to spend a Sunday day out or a week-end. Extremely peaceful and home to many artists Calcata will make your stay a lovely one.”
A third user commented: “If you happened to be visiting Rome and wondering what else you can see nearby, give Calcata a chance. It is a small town in the Province of Viterbo and is only about 40 kilometers north of Rome by car. It is charming, full of life, and very relaxing to just walk around and explore.
“Stop by for lunch or if only passing by there are numerous tea shops that offer you a quick break before you continue with your journey.”
A fourth user chimed in: “This place is magical, like entering into a Harry Potter story. This amazing medieval city is north of Rome, approx one hour driving if no traffic, and it’s magical. My kid loves the place. It’s like trespassing into past and fairytales, a place where your imagination has no limits.”
Source: express.co.uk