A dying city that lives forever! This is Civita di Bagnoregio!

Amidst the rolling landscapes of Lazio, above the white abysses of the Calanchi valley, Civita di Bagnoregio floats, a place that defies time and the laws of nature. This small medieval oasis, nicknamed “La città che muore” – “The Dying City”, attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world with its fragile beauty and moving past. It is not just the disappearance that makes this destination special, but the fact that, despite everything, it lives and inspires.

Civita di Bagnoregio Photo: MNStudio Depositphotos

HISTORY CARVED IN VOLCANIC STONE

Civita di Bagnoregio was founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago. They chose the top of a volcanic tuff rock for its natural defenses. Remnants of that era still live on today—like the San Bonaventure cave, where, according to legend, Saint Francis of Assisi healed the little Giovanni Fidanza, the future Saint Bonaventure, a great theologian and saint of the Church.

Throughout the Roman era, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, Civita grew, enriching itself with palaces, churches, and squares. It reached its greatest flourishing in the Middle Ages when it was adorned with tall towers and five monumental city gates. But nature had other plans: earthquakes and constant soil erosion gradually reduced the size of the city, collapsing its edges into the abyss of the valley.

Civita di Bagnoregio Photo: Pixelshop Depositphotos

CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO TODAY: A LIVING MONUMENT OF THE STRUGGLE WITH TIME

Today, Civita looks like a dream frozen in time. The preserved Porta Santa Maria, decorated with lions and human heads, remains the only entrance to this fairy-tale city. More than 700,000 visitors come here every year to walk its cobblestone streets, feel the silence of its squares, and witness its subtle but unwavering vitality.

It is especially popular with couples in love, who cross the bridge to Civita together as if they were stepping into another world, a world of promise and eternity.

Civita di Bagnoregio Photo: APHONUA Depositphotos

THE BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS OF CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO

Piazza San Donato, once the Roman forum, is today the heart of Civita, dominated by the Church of Saint Donatus, which was the cathedral until 1699. The Grotto of Saint Bonaventure, a mysterious place of healing and historical significance, further enriches the city’s historical offer. The Belvedere, a famous viewpoint, offers the most beautiful view of the city and the surrounding Calanchi Valley.

The Geology and Landslide Museum, located in the Alemanni Palace, shows the formation of the valley, the processes of erosion and the efforts to preserve Civita from further decline. Civita’s special charm is also given by its charming inhabitants – cats, who have become an indispensable part of the visiting experience.

HOW TO GET TO CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO?

You can get to Civita di Bagnoregio by car, train, or bus, and the nearest airports are in Rome. From Bagnoregio, you can reach Civita on foot, crossing a 300-meter-long bridge.

TICKETS TO CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO

To maintain the city and save it, there is a fee to enter Civita. Adults pay 5 euros, while children under six are free. Seniors over 65 and students pay 3 euros, with proper documentation. Prices may vary during special events, so it is recommended to check the official website before arriving.