Calistoga
locals say the most impressive attraction in town is Venetian artist
Carlo Marchiori's home tour. Indeed, it is certainly a strange
and wonderful experience. You first need to visit the Ca'Toga Galleria
D’Arte on Lincoln Avenue to purchase tickets. If the gallery
isn't open, the number to call and website to visit for tickets
are both posted on the door. Tours run on Saturday mornings from
May through October.
Once you purchase tickets, you drive to Carlo's house, which is about a two miles from the gallery. It’s just past the residential part of town. Here’s another strange but beautiful vision in the middle of wine country: A Mediterranean-looking villa is situated among real Roman ruins, archways, columns and statues. The artist must have had these imported from Europe; they definitely did not come from California! Palm trees, other warm-weather plants, and even a seashell encrusted grotto make the grounds splendid to behold.
Once inside the house, you get a feeling for how an artist really lives: His work covers the entire house. His sunken living room is rather awe inspiring. Carlo tells you that his favorite period is the 15th century, and it’s quite evident. One of his frescoes does resemble Michelangelo’s work, and his themes include Greco-Pompeian mythology and Venetian Carnival. You will enjoy studying the native American room, life-size cows painted onto one bedroom’s walls, and furniture made from bones and antlers. You can also see his studio from an overhead view – it’s interesting to look at his works in progress, the paints and the easels.
CA’TOGA GALLERIA D’ARTE
1206 Cedar Street
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-3900
Hours: Thursday through Monday 11 am to 6 pm
*Marchiori Home Tours: Saturdays at 11 am May through October