Perched on a cliff in the Simbruini mountain range, the ruins of the medieval village of Camerata stand as a testament to a catastrophic event. Unlike many villages that fade gradually, Camerata’s abandonment was abrupt and dramatic, forced by a devastating fire.
The Catastrophe
On January 9, 1859, a fire ignited in one of the village houses. The blaze swiftly engulfed the entire village, compelling the residents to flee for their lives. The villagers found refuge near the small rural church of Madonna delle Grazie. They later settled 1,312 feet (400 meters) below the original site, where they established a new village, aptly named Camerata Nuova (New Camerata), with the financial support of Pope Pius IX.
Exploring Camerata Vecchia
The ruins of Camerata Vecchia offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for those willing to venture up the steep cliff. The remnants of stone houses, some carved into the rock, dot the landscape. At the foot of the highest cliff, you can see the remains of the church of San Salvatore, with its broken columns and architectural fragments hinting at its former grandeur. The site is surrounded by deep ravines, beech forests, and the karst highlands of the Monti Simbruini Regional Park, providing breathtaking views of the Italian countryside.
Historical Significance
The fire that led to Camerata’s abandonment was immortalized by Swiss Grand Tour artist August Weckesser, who happened to be traveling in the region at the time. His painting, which depicts the exodus of the villagers against the backdrop of their burning homes, is one of the few visual records of old Camerata. Today, this artwork is housed in the Museum zu Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and a picture of it can be found on the Monti Simbruini Regional Park’s website.
Know Before You Go
Camerata Vecchia is accessible only on foot. You can reach it via trails VL5 from Cervara di Roma or trails 664b and 653 from Camerata Nuova. A detailed map of the Monti Simbruini Regional Park is available for purchase in Subiaco. When visiting, exercise caution due to the inherent dangers of exploring an abandoned village and the steep cliffs on either side.
Conclusion
The ruins of Camerata Vecchia, with their dramatic history and stunning location, offer a unique glimpse into the past. Despite the challenges of reaching the site, the journey is well worth it for the opportunity to explore the remnants of this once-thriving village and to appreciate the resilience of its former inhabitants.