Calomini between church art and Eremo di Calomini

Calomini lies on a hill in a sunnier location protected from the elements and surrounded by greenery. The village therefore combines a pronounced appreciation of the landscape with sacred sights: Calomini is home to a remarkable small religious chapel dedicated to the Madonna Addolorata. Of particular interest is the contrast between the elevated church above the village and Eremo di Calomini at the foot of a striking rock face.

Chiesa di San Tommaso above the village

The parish church of Chiesa di San Tommaso occupies a commanding position above the village of Calomini. It is classified as an architectural heritage site and as a branch chapel. The building is dated approximately to the 10th century; since 1260, the church has been connected with the diocesan register of Lucca. For visitors interested in culture, it is precisely this combination of an elevated location, a long documented history, and a clearly sacred function that makes the site noteworthy.

The journey to Chiesa di San Tommaso has a character of its own: it can only be reached via a steep, narrow road that runs past gardens and cultivated fields. Because of its difficult accessibility, the church is used only for special events. You should take these conditions into account when planning a visit if you want not only to see the church from the outside but also to attend such an event.

Eremo di Calomini and its rock architecture

Eremo di Calomini is an impressive architectural complex at the foot of an approximately 70-meter-high overhanging rock face. The complex extends 15 meters into the rock. Inside are an old kitchen and monks' cells carved into the stone, which can be visited. There is also a willow-wood statue venerated under the name Madonna della Penna. Architecture, the rock interior, and religious objects combine here to shape the visitor experience.

Eremo di Calomini can be reached directly by car; afterward, only a very short distance needs to be covered on foot. Those who prefer to reach the site as a hiking destination can choose the “Sentiero dell'Eremo di Calomini” trail from Gallicano. It runs along the Turrite, crosses a stone bridge, and climbs steeply to Eremo di Calomini along an old mule track. At the Eremo, Comunità Santa Caterina APS regularly organizes spiritual retreats with communal prayer and life in the hermitage.

The right accommodation location for your plans

When choosing your accommodation in Calomini, the different access conditions of the two sacred sites provide a useful point of reference. Chiesa di San Tommaso requires traveling along a steep, narrow road and is used only for special events. Eremo, on the other hand, combines direct access by car and a very short walk with the option of reaching the site via a challenging hiking trail from Gallicano. This makes it easier to decide when searching for a hotel whether church visits, rock architecture, spiritual retreats, or hiking should be the focus of your trip.

Other destinations in the same area: Fornovolasco.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vergemoli.