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Civita di Bagnoregio

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Landmark
—°14
Civita di Bagnoregio (Italy)

Weather…

Civita di Bagnoregio, often called 'The Dying City,' is one of Italy’s most surreal and magical sights. Perched on a high plateau of friable volcanic tuff, the village overlooks the dramatic Calanchi Valley. Because the clay ridges at its base are constantly eroding, the town’s foundations have been shrinking for centuries, giving it a precarious and wide-open appearance. Today, the only way to enter the village is by crossing a 300-meter reinforced concrete footbridge. Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, Civita was once a flourishing town and the birthplace of Saint Bonaventure. Behind the Romanesque stone gate, visitors find a quiet labyrinth of ivy-covered houses, flower-filled courtyards, and the ancient Church of San Donato. While only a handful of residents remain year-round, the village thrives as a tourist destination, with cozy trattorias serving local wine and bruschetta seasoned with regional olive oil. Visiting Civita is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. On misty mornings, the village appears to float above the clouds, creating an unforgettable image. It is a symbol of human resilience and the fragile beauty of nature. Due to its unique geological situation, it is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status and a must-see for anyone traveling between Rome and Orvieto.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C66913172225252016117
Rain mm6367685358352829737911087

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The village of Civita di Bagnoregio can be reached via a pedestrian bridge and is fully walkable. Some houses are private, but the streets and viewpoints are open to the public.
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Typical hours
The settlement is accessible at any time; the few shops and cafes operate standard hours. The Church of San Donato is typically open during the day.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, especially worthwhile from the base of the bridge or the viewpoint. Inside the church, non-flash photography is usually permitted.
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Time needed
A visit to Civita typically lasts two to three hours. Crossing the bridge and walking through the village takes at least an hour. Adding time for views and photos, it can become a half-day trip.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the town of Bagnoregio above the cliff or nearby Orvieto (approx. 30 km). Lake Bolsena also makes a nice addition to the itinerary.
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Getting there
Civita is only accessible on foot via the 300-meter pedestrian bridge. Park in Bagnoregio (paid parking) and then descend across the bridge.
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Insider tip
Arrive in the late afternoon when the light turns the village golden and day-trippers have left. This way you can experience the 'dying city' in tranquility.

Geography

Population
511 (2014)
Coordinates
42.62778, 12.11389

Facts

  • Founded by Etruscans 2,500 years ago
  • Known as 'the dying city'
  • Accessible only via a footbridge
  • Birthplace of Saint Bonaventure
  • Located in the Calanchi Valley
  • Less than 10 permanent residents
  • Erosion threatens the town's survival
  • UNESCO World Heritage candidate

Explore nearby

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Civita di Bagnoregio (14)

Porta Albana📍 landmark

Porta Albana is a Renaissance gate built in 1589, the entrance to the ancient town of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Chiesa di San Martino⛪ religious

A Romanesque church on the main piazza of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Piramide garibaldina🏺 historical

A small pyramid-shaped monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi in Civita di Bagnoregio.

Auditorium Vittorio Taborra🎭 culture

Auditorium Vittorio Taborra serves as a local arts centre in Civita di Bagnoregio.

Concattedrale "San Donato, Nicola,Bonaventura"⛪ religious

The co-cathedral of Saints Donatus, Nicholas and Bonaventure is a Romanesque-Gothic co-cathedral with a crypt in Civita di Bagnoregio.

fontanile🏺 historical

An ancient stone drinking fountain along the main street of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Porta Santa Maria📍 landmark

The main gate into the historic town of Civita di Bagnoregio, with a stone archway.

Museo geologico e delle frane🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the geology and landslides that shaped the tuff rock of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Valle dei calanchi🌿 nature

Valle dei calanchi features a scenic viewpoint over the badlands in Civita di Bagnoregio.

Giandomenico Pistonami🏺 historical

A bust monument to local patriot Giandomenico Pistonami in Civita di Bagnoregio.

Belvedere🌿 nature

Belvedere provides a beautiful panoramic viewpoint in the town of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Grotta di S. Bonnaventura📍 landmark

A natural cave associated with the legend of St. Bonaventure near Civita di Bagnoregio.

Museo Naturalistico🏛 museum

A natural history museum showcasing the flora and fauna of the surrounding tuff valley.

Teatro dei Calanchi🎭 culture

An open-air theatre carved into the clay badlands overlooking Civita di Bagnoregio.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is Civita di Bagnoregio open?
The village is always accessible, but a fee is charged for the bridge during the day.
How much is the entry fee?
The fee to cross the bridge is approximately 5 euros per person.
Is the path suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the steep bridge and cobblestones are extremely difficult for wheelchairs.
Where are the best photo spots?
From the viewpoint in Bagnoregio before the bridge, you get the best view of the village.
How long does a visit take?
Plan about 2 hours to explore the small village at a leisurely pace.
Civita di Bagnoregio: where is it located?
Civita di Bagnoregio is located in Italy.
Civita di Bagnoregio: what is there to see?
Highlights include Porta Albana, Chiesa di San Martino, Piramide garibaldina.
Civita di Bagnoregio: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Civita di Bagnoregio: why is it worth visiting?
Civita di Bagnoregio, often called 'The Dying City,' is one of Italy’s most surreal and magical sights.
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