Assisi then passed from one ruling power to another, many contributing to that which remains today. Assisi’s lasting role as a religious hub stems predominantly from it being the birthplace of the much venerated St. Francis of Assisi.

In contrast is <b>Calcata</b>. Upon the sack of <b>Rome</b>, a German soldier arrived there claiming to have found the Holy Prepuce whilst raiding the Sanctum Sanctorum.

This purported relic from the circumcision of Jesus remained hidden in Calcata until 1557, when it was venerated by the Vatican. Calcata became a great pilgrimage hotspot until evidence arose bringing its authenticity into question. To ‘resolve’ any debate, in 1900 the Catholic Church threatened to excommunicate anyone who made mention of the delicate subject. Defiant Calcata continued displaying its beloved relic until it mysteriously vanished in the 1980s.

By that time, around five decades had passed since locals had moved from their historical home to nearby New Calcata after the town was condemned for risk of collapse. Undeterred, a community of artist-hippies started squatting there during the 1960s. Eventually allowed to purchase Calcata, they slowly restored its past glory whilst building up a thriving artistic community.