Discovering Civita di Bagnoregio
La Citta che Muore “The Dying City”Civita di Bagnoregio is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. If you’ve never visited then you really should before this uniquely memorable place is lost forever into the valley below. Civita is an incredibly beautiful, fairy tale-like medieval hilltop town with a fascinating history.
City on a Hill – Civita di Bagnoregio
This tiny village is spectacularly set in its dramatic lunar landscape and is vehicle free. It is only reachable by a 300 meter suspended foot bridge which connects the village to the nearby town of Bagnoregio. Built by the Etruscans over 2500 years ago, this ancient, crumbling – but very picturesque village of Civita di Bagnoregio is a little known jewel. It is located close to the city of Orvieto on the Umbria-Lazio border.
Civita di Bagnoregio occupies a unique position atop the tufa cliffs high above the plunging Valle dei Calanchi (the valley of the badlands), surrounded by a surreal moonscape of eroding cliffs. To say it is scenic is really an understatement.
A Living History – Civita di Bagnoregio
Originally Civita was connected to Bagnoregio, but following a major earthquake in 1695 and several subsequent earthquakes, landslides and intense erosion, several buildings of the city plunged into the valley below giving the remaining town its famous and unique appearance. The whole town is ultimately fated to collapse into the valley and as such is often referred to as “the Dying City”.
Currently, there are just under 20 year round residents in Civita di Bagnoregio. Evenso, despite the challenges this tiny town faces, it is far from dying. Visitors come from all over the world to visit this quintessential Italian hilltop village.
A Village Within – Civita di Bagnoregio
Its pretty, winding alleyways and cobbled streets promise new discoveries. Flower bedecked houses with tucked-away gardens and a charming array of restaurants and bars create a lively, entertaining atmosphere. Lastly, the stunning medieval church of San Donato, which is located in the main Piazza, is well worth a visit.
Visitors start their walk to Civita di Bagnoregio from the lookout in Bagnoregio. Ahead, the panorama is filled with the stunning view of the ancient village perched high above the valley. The footbridge is now the only access to the city and provides stunning 360 degree views.
Once you reach Civita di Bagnoregio you enter the tiny city through the main gate Porta Santa Maria with its guard of lions with a human head between their paws. Inside you will find a charming, historical gem, bursting with life.
The entire town can be explored in just a few hours, including lunch at one of the many delightful eateries. It is a wonderful place to spend a day and a memorable, not-to-be-missed destination.
Vacation in Umbria, Italy
Join our walking vacation in Umbria and spend a day discovering the unique village of Civita di Bagnoregio. On the Blue Walk small-group tour of Umbria, you will discover this ancient city on foot with our local guide and historian.
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