Calcata
Welcome to Calcata! Where History meets Nature
Calcata, or Cargàta in the local dialect, is a small municipality in the province of Viterbo, in Lazio. It is famous for its historic center perched on a tuff plateau that overlooks the Treja valley. But Calcata is not only about history and medieval architecture; here, nature is the undisputed queen and the hilly landscape that surrounds the town offers numerous natural trails, on foot or horseback, through the Treja gorges and the tuffaceous hills covered with woods.
Physical Geography
Territory
Calcata's territory develops along the north-south axis, predominantly hilly, with altitudes around 200 meters. The highest point is Monte Li Frati, which reaches 254.8 meters in the southernmost part of the municipal area. The tuffaceous hills are separated by deep gorges where torrential watercourses flow, such as the Treja river, the Fosso della Moia di Magliano and the Fosso della Selva.
Climate
Calcata's climate is classified as zone D with 1727 GG.
History
Calcata has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The village, perched on a tuff spur, is accessed through the only door that opens on the walls and winds through alleys and staircases that preserve the atmosphere of the past. In 1801, Mastro Titta, the executioner of the Papal State, reported in his memoirs the hanging and quartering of the Bargello of Calcata, accused of extortion together with two guards.
Monuments and places of interest
Medieval architecture
The old town of Calcata is a jewel of medieval architecture that rises on a tuff spur overlooking the Treja valley. Its structure dates back to the 14th century and is characterized by a single door that opens onto the walls. The church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, dating back to the 14th century, was renovated in 1793 at the behest of the Sinibaldi family and consists of a single nave with a trussed ceiling. Inside the church, there are a baptismal font, a 16th-century holy water font, and a tabernacle on the wall, as well as a series of paintings depicting stories of Christ.
Archaeological sites
Near Calcata, there are several archaeological sites that testify to human presence in the area since prehistoric times. In particular, the archaeological area of Narce, in front of the historic center of Calcata on a tuff plateau, housed a settlement now called the City of Narce. Here it is possible to see the remains from the prehistoric to the archaic period, while the archaeological finds are preserved in the virtual archaeological museum Progetto: GLAM/ Museo Archeologico Virtuale di Narce- MAVNA, in the municipality of Mazzano Romano. Near Calcata, there are also the remains of the Sanctuary of Monte Li Santi.
Environment and Territory
Natural Areas
Calcata is located within the Valle del Treja Regional Park, and from here, it is possible to access several natural trails, on foot or horseback, through the Treja gorges and the tuffaceous hills. Nature here is still unspoiled and the landscape varied and suggestive.
Itineraries
Calcata is part of the Itinerary of Etruscan gorges and the Tiber valley within the project of the Protected Areas System of Lazio, Le Strade dei Parchi, which travels through the river landscapes and the characteristic villages of Lazio, north of Rome, overlooking the Tiber valley.
Society
Calcata has a population of 908 inhabitants and a foreign community of 90 people, according to ISTAT data as of December 31, 2015.
If you are looking for the perfect place for an excursion between history and nature, Calcata is the ideal destination for you! Here you will find an ancient and fascinating town, immersed in a breathtaking landscape and with many natural trails to explore. Come and discover Calcata; it will be an unforgettable experience!
