Civita di Bagnoregio: guida alla città che muore

A village suspended in time

Civita di Bagnoregio, known to all as the "dying city" due to the slow erosion of the badlands surrounding it, is one of the most evocative places in Italy. Arriving here means crossing a temporal threshold: once you cross the long pedestrian bridge, the noise of the modern world fades away, leaving room for the silence of stone houses and medieval charm.

What to see in Civita

The village can be easily explored on foot in a few hours. Do not miss the following points of interest:

• Porta Santa Maria: The monumental entrance to the village, adorned with stone sculptures that tell the history of the place.
• Piazza San Donato: The beating heart of the village, where you can admire the Romanesque church of San Donato and the characteristic noble palaces.
• The Belvedere: From the edges of the village, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Valle dei Calanchi, a lunar landscape unique in the world.
• The Cave of San Bonaventura: An ancient Etruscan burial chamber transformed into a chapel, wrapped in a mystical atmosphere.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to visit Civita. The light is soft and the temperatures make the walk on the bridge pleasant. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try to visit the village during weekdays; on weekends and during holidays, Civita becomes a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Practical tips

Remember that the village is entirely pedestrian. To reach the entrance, you will have to walk across a reinforced concrete suspension bridge about 300 meters long; it is an uphill walk that requires comfortable shoes. Being a fragile and protected place, an access fee is required for visitors, which is necessary for the maintenance and preservation of the village.

How to get there

Civita di Bagnoregio is located in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio. If you arrive by car, you will have to leave your vehicle in the parking lots located in Bagnoregio, then continue on foot or by local shuttles to the starting point of the bridge. The village is a perfect stop within a wider itinerary in Tuscia, a land rich in Etruscan history and medieval villages.