When travelers dream of Italy, they often think of the romantic canals of Venice, the Colosseum in Rome, or the rolling hills of Tuscany. But hidden among the better-known gems are some truly bizarre, magical, and mysterious places. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, explore the eccentric, or just love a good story, these weird towns in Italy are worth adding to your bucket list.
Let’s dive into three of the country’s strangest destinations: La Scarzuola, Colobraro, and Calcata.
1. La Scarzuola – The Surreal Dream City of Umbria
La Scarzuola isn’t your typical Italian town. Nestled in the green heart of Umbria near Montegabbione, it was originally a 13th-century Franciscan monastery. According to legend, St. Francis of Assisi planted a rose and built a hut there made of scarza (a marsh plant), which gave the place its name.
But what makes it truly weird is what came centuries later.
In the 1950s, visionary architect Tomaso Buzzi bought the property and began transforming it into a fantastical “ideal city” (città ideale) filled with surreal, symbolic structures, secret passageways, miniature cities, and dramatic facades. The site is a bizarre blend of classical architecture, esotericism, and personal philosophy.
“È come entrare in un sogno architettonico.”
(“It’s like stepping into an architectural dream.”)
You’ll find Egyptian pyramids beside Roman temples, and empty theaters that seem ready to host ghosts. La Scarzuola isn’t just a place; it’s an experience. You can visit, but only by guided tour—and you’ll need to book in advance.
2. Colobraro – Italy’s Unluckiest Village
In Basilicata, a mountainous region in southern Italy, lies Colobraro—a town so infamous for bad luck that locals in nearby villages refuse to say its name aloud, referring to it instead as quel paese (“that town”).
The legends began in the 20th century when a lawyer supposedly said in court, “If I’m lying, may that chandelier fall!”—and it did. Since then, Colobraro has been blamed for mysterious illnesses, accidents, and a general aura of misfortune.
“Porta sfortuna come Colobraro.”
(“It brings bad luck like Colobraro.”)
But rather than shy away from its creepy reputation, the town has embraced it. Every summer, Colobraro hosts a theatrical festival called Sogno di una notte a quel paese (“A Dream of a Night in That Town”), turning the streets into a spooky fairytale filled with witches, fortune tellers, and actors reenacting local legends.
The name “Colobraro” is believed to come from coluber, the Latin word for snake. Whether or not it’s cursed, it certainly knows how to play the part.
3. Calcata – The Town That Wasn’t Supposed to Exist
Just north of Rome, perched dramatically on a cliff of volcanic rock, lies Calcata—a town once condemned, abandoned, and later resurrected by artists and misfits.
In the 1930s, the government declared Calcata unsafe due to fears the cliffs would collapse. Most residents relocated to a newly built village nearby. But in the 1960s and ‘70s, a wave of creatives began moving back in, drawn by the town’s haunting beauty and cheap property.
Today, Calcata is a vibrant bohemian hub filled with quirky galleries, unusual shops, and curious residents. The atmosphere is otherworldly. You might stumble upon a puppet maker, a sculptor meditating in his studio, or a woman selling handmade herbal teas in a room filled with crystals.
“Calcata è un posto magico, fuori dal tempo.”
(“Calcata is a magical place, outside of time.”)
There’s also an infamous story involving a relic known as the Santo Prepuzio—yes, the Holy Foreskin of Jesus. It was once housed in Calcata’s church, and mysteriously vanished in the 1980s, adding another layer of mystery to the already unusual town.
Why Visit These Weird Towns in Italy?
While major cities offer glamour and grandeur, Italy’s weirder corners provide mystery, depth, and unforgettable stories. From surreal architecture to ghostly reputations and artistic enclaves, La Scarzuola, Colobraro, and Calcata reveal a side of Italy that’s rich in folklore, creativity, and unfiltered character.
Visiting them is like peeling back a hidden layer of the Italian soul—a place where superstition and imagination still thrive, where the past is never truly gone, and where a bit of eccentricity is welcomed, even celebrated.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, an art lover, or someone who simply enjoys the strange and wonderful, these destinations promise an experience you won’t find in any standard guidebook.In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to step away from the usual tourist trail, consider exploring these weird towns in Italy. Their stories, legends, and unique vibes offer a fascinating look into the country’s cultural mosaic.
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Image by Gemini
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