Calomini: Hermitage, Church and Paths in the Hills

Calomini combines a green hillside setting with religious heritage and unusual routes to historic sites. The village is located on a hill in a sunnier position protected from the elements. Different forms of sightseeing are central to a visit: a small chapel and a historic church above the village, the impressive Eremo di Calomini at the foot of a rock face, and a hiking trail from Gallicano.

Religious Sites with Their Own Character

Calomini is home to a remarkable small religious chapel dedicated to the Madonna Addolorata. Above the village, the Chiesa di San Tommaso is also situated in a commanding position. Its history goes back a long way: the building is dated approximately to the 10th century, and the church has been recorded in the diocesan register of Lucca since 1260. Today, it is classified as an architectural heritage site and as a filial chapel. However, the Chiesa di San Tommaso can only be reached via a steep, narrow road that runs along gardens and cultivated fields. Because of this difficult access, it is used only for special events. Its visit therefore differs significantly from a freely accessible tour of a regularly open cultural site. Anyone interested in the church should take its special usage situation into account when planning their visit, without overlooking its historical significance.

The Eremo di Calomini Beneath the Rock Face

A second notable stop is the Eremo di Calomini. The impressive architectural complex lies at the foot of an approximately 70-meter-high overhanging rock face and extends 15 meters into the rock. Inside is a statue made of willow wood, venerated under the name Madonna della Penna. The complex also includes an old kitchen and monks’ cells carved into the stone, which can be visited. Access to the Eremo follows a different pattern from the route to the Chiesa di San Tommaso: the site can be reached directly by car, after which only a very short distance has to be covered on foot. This makes it possible to experience the rock sanctuary as an independent cultural stop. The combination of architecture, rocky surroundings and religious traces makes the Eremo a particularly tangible experience in Calomini.

On Foot to the Eremo

Those who would like to combine their visit with a hike can choose the “Sentiero dell'Eremo di Calomini” hiking trail from Gallicano. The route follows the Turrite, crosses a stone bridge and then climbs steeply to the Eremo di Calomini along an old mule track. The trail therefore represents not only a destination, but also a sequence of different landscape impressions and historic types of paths. When choosing between driving directly and hiking, the decisive factor is whether the Eremo itself or the route there should be the main focus.

Spiritual Retreat and Further Discoveries

At the Eremo di Calomini, the Comunità Santa Caterina APS regularly organizes spiritual retreat days with communal prayer and life in the hermitage. The site is therefore not merely an architectural and historical destination, but is also connected with a present-day religious use. For further travel planning, you can also visit Fornovolasco.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vergemoli.