Rocca Calascio — Attraction in Calascio

Rocca Calascio is a mountaintop fortress accompanied by Santa Maria della Pieta, a church built in 1596.  The fortress was built somewhere around 1140 above the town of Calascio, built around 816, currently half-abandoned due to a terrible earthquake in 2016.  There is a restaurant or two still open, and the city below has many places to stop for a coffee, so it isn't too remote of a location.

When you visit, don't be fooled by the signs pointing to a steep climb to the fortress - you can keep driving up the thin road until you find a parking lot in the shape of a half-circle on a cliff.  That will save you a huge incline and twenty minutes on your hike.  After you park, walk towards the city (there's one entrance) and look for signs that point to the fortress - the residents were especially helpful when they thought I was lost!

You'll see the side of the fortress first, but arrive at the church first.  Beyond the church are rolling hills and one of the best sunsets I've ever seen.  Look behind you for the ruin.

It's a small hike, and the biggest incline is inside the city and through the rocks on the way to Rocca Calascio.  Mostly flat, but certainly bring shoes that are comfortable to scale rocks if you want to see the fortress up close.

Medium effort for maximum views - if you find yourself with an extra afternoon or evening, I couldn't recommend...

The amazing views and scenery were worth the 2 1/2 hour ride on our Vespa through the most beautiful part of southern Italy from Foggetta, we stopped off at a little roadside place on the way for food called the Green House-recommend it but it’s popular and we waited 45 mins for a panini, on arrival at 5pm we were stopped by the two castle attendants from going up to the castle on the Vespa but were told we could walk 3km up the hillside😬popped for a coffee at the little Ape Van 20yds away before heading back disappointed where we luckily found out you can drive up after 6pm or walk 500yds down the road and catch one of the shuttle buses, opted for the bus, the views are amazing the staff at the castle are very helpful and informative, we stopped for a meal at the castle restaurant, got chatting to a guest who was staying in a castle apartment for the night who helped with the menu! Staff were happy to make us veggie pasta not on the menu😁 we walked back down the road with a group of friendly local tourists while watching an amazing electrical storm in the distance...

A day trip to Rocca Calascio followed by Campo Imperatore is easily manageable and absolutely worthwhile. I recommend heading up early on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially when visiting the castle. The main challenge is parking—spaces near the top are limited, and the narrow road can quickly become congested with two-way traffic. There is parking in the lower village, but be prepared for a steep uphill hike if you start from there.

From the upper parking area, the walk to the castle is relatively gentle with a couple of easy paths, though the final stretch is rocky. The panoramic views from the top are stunning, and several hiking trails extend out into the surrounding hills. Entry to the castle is free, though donations are appreciated.

Just below the castle, in the upper village, you’ll find a couple of small bars, cafés, and shops, along with a public toilet (50 cents, honesty box). Overall, it’s a fantastic outing—beautiful, atmospheric, and highly...