Calcata Vecchia between tuff, the Treja Valley and art

Calcata Vecchia is situated at the top of an approximately circular tuff spur that extends over the valley of the Treja River and lies on its right bank in orographic terms. The topography also shapes access: the distinctive entrance is accessible only on foot, follows an S-shaped route, is carved into the natural tuff and is partly reinforced by massive walls. For your tour, this entrance marks the beginning of Calcata Vecchia.

Churches, Tabernacles and Palazzo

The Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù was probably built by the Anguillara family in the first half of the 13th century. Inside, there is a gilded marble tabernacle from the late 15th century set into the wall. The “Baronale” Palazzo degli Anguillara is the result of modernizations commissioned in the 18th century by the Sinibaldi family, the lords of the town. The Palazzo Baronale degli Anguillara is currently owned by the Valle del Treja Regional Park and serves as the institution’s administrative headquarters and a cultural venue.

Peasant Culture in San Giovanni

The former church of San Giovanni houses a collection of tools and equipment from peasant culture. The Museo della Civiltà Contadina collection comprises around 500 carefully restored objects. Particularly important agricultural objects include tools for processing hemp. Calcata Vecchia thus also focuses on a specific aspect of rural working life.

Trails for Walks and Circular Routes

The Sentiero Ceciuli begins in the historic center of Calcata. Along the Sentiero Ceciuli are permanent sculptures made of local stone, and the first section is accessible with a stroller. If you are traveling with children, this first section can therefore be included in your plans without extending accessibility to the entire trail.

The Anello Calcata - La Valle circular route leads from Calcata into the Treja Valley, follows an appealing stretch along the Treja River and then climbs back to the starting point. The La via Narcense e i castelli route can also be completed by bicycle and on horseback. This provides different ways to explore the landscape, ranging from walks and circular routes to cycling and horse riding.

Treja Valley, Protected Area and Contemporary Art

In the Valle del Treja, watercourses have carved deep, branching gorges into the volcanic tuff. The Parco Naturale Regionale Valle del Treja is a protected area covering 628 hectares in the territories of the municipalities of Calcata and Mazzano Romano. Opera Bosco extends across three hectares of woodland within the Parco Valle del Treja near Calcata. In Località Colle in Calcata, Opera Bosco is an experimental museum-laboratory for contemporary art.

Art and Craftsmanship in the Alleys

In the alleys of Calcata, you can watch street performers in action and see artisans working in their workshops. This direct experience of the town complements the historic buildings, the peasant collection and the trails through the Treja Valley with a vibrant cultural dimension.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

Civitella Dʼagliano, Tuscania, Vitorchiano, Castiglione In Teverina, Civitella Cesi, Ischia Di Castro, Oriolo Romano, Marta

For the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.