Civita di Bagnoregio
The Dying City
CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES TO VISIT. IT IS FAMOUS AROUND THE WORLD AS “THE DYING CITY,” AND CAN ONLY BE REACHED ON FOOT BY CROSSING A SPECTACULAR BRIDGE THAT CROSSES THE VALLEY OF CALANCHI.
It is one of the most famous destinations for both national and international tourism (it is estimated that over 700,000 visitors come to Civita every year).
What to See in the Dying City
A VISIT TO CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
The village perched on the famous tufa rock spur, defying time and erosion, is located in the municipality of Bagnoregio in the Valley of the Calanchi. It is home to only eleven residents according to the census and is often part of a local itinerary that focuses on tuff, including Civita-Orvieto and Pitigliano-Sorano-Sovana (the tuff cities of Maremma).
The small town boasts two thousand years of history and has essentially a Renaissance appearance, even though its origins are Etruscan. It can only be reached on foot by crossing the bridge that connects the tuff spur to the Belvedere. Several collapses over the centuries have caused churches and important structures to sink into the valley, and perhaps it is this sense of precariousness and fragility that makes this place even more suggestive. You enter the town through Porta Santa Maria. For the rest, there is a series of small alleys and lanes where, in recent years, numerous businesses and tourist activities have developed. From the windows, you can always enjoy breathtaking views. The center of the village is Piazza San Donato, which was once the forum and is now called “la piazzetta.” On the front side, you’ll find the facade of San Donato Cathedral. A peculiarity of the village is the presence of numerous and beautiful cats, often photographed while resting in the shade on the low walls or wandering through the village’s streets, hence the term “Cats of Civita.” Walking through this village, you truly feel like time has stood still.
ENTRANCE TO VISIT CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
To visit Civita, you pay an entrance fee of 3 euros on weekdays and 5 euros on holidays.
PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE VALLEY OF CALANCHI
Another way to experience Civita is from the Belvedere, where you can park your car before crossing the bridge that leads to the village. This is the best spot to take panoramic photos.
