Calcata, Medieval commune in Viterbo Province, Italy
Calcata is a commune in Viterbo Province in Lazio, with its historic core perched on a volcanic rock plateau above the Treja valley. The narrow stone lanes wind through the old center, which is surrounded by defensive walls and contains houses from several centuries.
The government declared the old center uninhabitable in the nineteen-thirties due to concerns about the stability of the rock, prompting most residents to move to the newer part of town. Artists settled in the abandoned buildings during the nineteen-sixties and revived the center.
Artists and craftspeople use the former medieval houses as workshops and studios where they display and sell their work. Many residents organize small events where visitors can watch their working techniques and speak with them directly.
The historic core is closed to cars, so it is best to park outside and walk in on foot. The paths are steep and uneven, so wearing sturdy footwear and allowing time for exploration is advisable.
The Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù preserves artworks and decorative elements dating back to the fourteenth century. The name of the town may derive from the Latin calx, meaning lime, referring to the geology of the rock.
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