The town is located a few kilometres from Benevento and is surrounded by extensive olive groves and vineyards.
Here there is said to have been a battle between Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus and General Annon, in which General Annon was defeated. Later there was, again against General Annone, another battle by Consul Quinto Fulvio Flacco, in which General Annone was again defeated.
The ancient village has typical medieval architecture and the remains of the ancient Roman aqueduct bear witness to the existence of urban settlements. It belonged to the Tomacelli, Gesualdo, Ludovisi, della Marra and Caracciolo families during the feudal period.
With the abolition of the feudal system, Calvi was united with the town of San Nazzaro and only gained administrative autonomy in 1958.
The population of Calvi is around 2600 inhabitants and local production is mainly cereals, tobacco, wine, oil, fruit and cheese.