Perched atop a crumbling volcanic plateau and accessible only by footbridge, Civita di Bagnoregio has earned the nickname “the dying town” as erosion slowly shrinks the cliffs it sits upon.
Why Visit Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio offers one of the most dramatic and photogenic settings of any Italian hill town, a place that feels suspended in time above the surrounding badlands valley.
Top Experiences
- The Footbridge to Civita: Cross the long pedestrian bridge connecting the town to the modern village of Bagnoregio, itself part of the experience.
- Civita Historic Center: Wander the tiny medieval streets and piazza, home to fewer than a dozen permanent residents today.
- Church of San Donato: Visit this Romanesque church at the heart of the small town square.
- Belvedere Viewpoint: Photograph the town from this viewpoint in Bagnoregio, offering the classic postcard view of Civita on its plateau.
- Valle dei Calanchi: Take in the eroded badlands landscape surrounding the town, which gives Civita its dramatic, isolated setting.
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Practical Tips
- A small entrance fee applies to cross the footbridge into Civita, used to help preserve the town.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid both crowds and the midday sun on the exposed bridge.
- Civita di Bagnoregio is roughly a 90-minute drive from Rome, making it a full-day excursion.
FAQ
Why is Civita di Bagnoregio called the dying town?
It is called the dying town because ongoing erosion of the volcanic plateau it sits on is gradually shrinking the ground beneath it.
How do you get to Civita di Bagnoregio?
Visitors park in Bagnoregio and cross a long pedestrian footbridge to reach Civita, as no vehicles are allowed.
Is Civita di Bagnoregio worth a day trip from Rome?
Yes, though it requires about a 90-minute drive each way, many visitors consider it one of the most beautiful hill towns in Italy.
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