Calcata
By Deborah Downes
1 Jul 2009
I'm a firm believer in the old adage "the journey is more important than its destination", but at times don't realize just how much until I get to where I planned to go. Such was the case when Fred (my husband) and I took off for Sant'Oreste, the Italian mountain village we could barely see from our balcony in Monterosi, where we briefly lived before moving Tuscany. On our way to Sant'Oreste, from a twisting mountain road, we first spotted Calcata. Fred swerved our car slightly as we both let out gasps and oh...wows.
The medieval village of Calcata looks like a stack of large brown sugar cubes atop a 150 foot high volcanic stump surrounded by dense forest. In the 1930's the government condemned the village saying the sheer cliffs it sits on were crumbling. Most of Calcata's home owners left and about a half mile down the road built Calcata Nuevo. In the late 60's and early 70's a small group of artists and bohemians from around the world squatted in the abandoned houses of Calcata, attracted to the beauty of the town and a creative energy some believe the volcanic rock beneath the village, once the scared ritual site of the Faliscans (pre-Roman people), radiates. The new artsy inhabitants of Calcata eventually bought the houses they occupied, turned some of the town's caves into subterranean homes, and convinced the government that Calcata is in fact safe.
Today Calcata is a fascinating blend of medieval architecture and retro looking art galleries and restaurants. This unique combination along with the breathtaking setting of the village attracts film makers, photographers, and tourists from around the world.
As for that mystical energy that some of the inhabitants of Calcata still believe, all I can say is I set foot in that town intimidated by the mechanics of my new Nikon D40X and doubting I had the talent to become a professional photographer. Fred and I knew nothing about the so called spiritual force within Calcata or anything about the history of the town as we explored its piazza and cobblestone lanes, all unusually deserted at the time, except for a couple of women, two aging ponytailed men, and a sleeping puppy. Soon after I entered Calcata's piazza, I started to eagerly snap pictures without consciously giving thought to what I was doing. That night when I checked out my Calcata shots my dream of becoming a professional photographer took root and I started down the long path that I hope will turn that dream into a reality. Of course that might not happen, but I figure it's the trying that counts and getting the most I can out of my photographic journey.
13 responses
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (1 Jul 2009):
Lovely story and photos Deborah, I voted.
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Regenia Brabham gave props (1 Jul 2009):
A fabulous story and images. You are well on your way to having your dreams come true!!
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eithne mythen gave props (2 Jul 2009):
And if you dont make it photography you could be a writer, this is very well written..
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Liliane Paingaud gave props (2 Jul 2009):
I love the story and your photos are painting this gorgeous village perfectly! My English is not good enough to make a Photo Essay from some of my photos, I envy you!
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Deborah Downes gave props (2 Jul 2009):
Thanks everyone. Eithne, I am a writer and hope to professionally combine my photography with my writing.
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Susan Littlefield gave props (2 Jul 2009):
Outstanding! You've really captured the essence of the city, both in your photos and your story. Definitely should be published.
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Judy Wanamaker gave props (2 Jul 2009):
Deb, this is certainly worthy of publication. Your story is riveting and your photos are breathtaking. voted.
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Litz Go gave props (2 Jul 2009):
I read several of your photo essays and I truly enjoyed them. With this article, you really brought me there with you. Great photos and writings. I'm definitely voting and hope that jpg will take notice and publish any of your photo essays.
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John Linton gave props (3 Jul 2009):
Hell...Yeah! It rocks!
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stephanie abernathy gave props (4 Jul 2009):
Awesome.. great story and photos!
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Michael Ball gave props (5 Jul 2009):
I don't think I could add anymore to what has already been said! Your work (words and photos) is inspiring!! You totally have my vote!!
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Aaron Mythen gave props (10 Jul 2009):
Wish you all the best on your next journey Deborah and hope that you realize, not only, your dream of becoming a professional photographer but all your dreams!! Really enjoyed this pictorial tour around this wonderful looking town and your background information thank you :))
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Lanis Rossi gave props (22 Jul 2009):
Excellent story and photos! I once visited a smilar town in Italy called Civita.
