Civita di Bagnoregio is located in the area between Lake Bolsena to the west and the Tiber Valley to the east, in the town of Bagnoregio. It consists of two main valleys: the Rio Torbido Ditch and the Rio Chiaro Ditch; its birth dates back 2500 years and it is located on one of the oldest roads in Italy connecting the Tiber (a major navigation route in Central Italy) and Lake Bolsena. There were five gates, but today the gate called Santa Maria or Cava is the main one. Many Etruscan testimonies remain, particularly the so-called “Bucaione”, a deep tunnel that cuts into the lower part of the city, allowing access to the Calanchi Valley.
From the car parks located in Civita, you can admire the city in all its beauty through a viewing point where you can take beautiful photos with the small city behind, immersed in a very impressive and exciting valley. After passing the viewing point, you continue the not-too-long walk (about 15 minutes) towards the village of Bagnoregio: first by descending a staircase carved in stone, then by passing through the pedestrian bridge (accessed through a 5€ ticket that can be made in the ticket office next door).
Getting there:
Starting the walk on the long pedestrian bridge, you can admire the beauty of this city that is referred to as “The Dying City” due to the landslides; for those who are not very accustomed to walking in hilly and/or mountainous areas, I highly recommend proceeding calmly and not too quickly so as not to have to stop at the beginning or in the middle of the climb due to the not-light slope. In addition, if you decide to visit the village in the summer, I strongly suggest a hat to protect yourself from the sun, as the bridge is completely in the sun and there are no shady spots until you arrive in the city where you can finally find some shade and natural ventilation.
The city:
Upon arrival at the main gate of the city, you will find not only a charming village to visit, but also a space where you can sit and rest and where you can take beautiful photos of the valley below.
The village is not very large, but it is set up and maintained by the shopkeepers and restaurateurs who have their businesses there.
In fact, by walking you can find very typical and cute restaurants at every corner, as well as souvenir shops, postcards and fragrances.
If you arrive in the late morning, before enjoying a good lunch in one of these bistros, you could explore the numerous interesting streets and corners that this place offers: for example the various viewing points / terraces, hidden gardens, or a small museum carved into the rock that shows daily life in ancient times (also known as the “Pinocchio House” Museum of Landslides: going back, you can also visit the church of San Donato overlooking the main square.
Where to eat:
The great variety of restaurants gives you the opportunity to choose which menu to taste, there are some small restaurants that offer traditional dishes, others that offer the opportunity to taste many types of pasta with many different sauces, all while admiring the balconies in full bloom or the natural landscapes that the country offers. Now, enjoy a delicious lunch and be transported to the flavors of this land, which, thanks to the restaurateurs, is presented in an excellent way.
Church of San Donato
The church of San Donato dates back to the 5th century according to tradition.
An ancient cathedral from the 600s, it retains traces of Romanesque style. Later, the façade was modified and takes on a Renaissance appearance, enriched in 1524 with the central portal and in 1547 with the two lateral ones. Inside are kept a fresco of the school of Perugino and a 15th-century wooden crucifix of the school of Donatello. It presents itself as a simple but very beautiful Romanesque church to photograph and for a moment of “contemplation”.
Museum of Landslides
Room 1 – LANDSLIDES
Civita di Bagnoregio and the living landscape of the Calanchi Valley. Geomorphological processes in progress and landslides:
Civita di Bagnoregio and the surrounding area known as the “Valle dei Calanchi” represent an area of extraordinary relevant landscape interest to be valued and safeguarded; with characteristics that make it almost unique at national and international level.
The evolution of the territory is particularly evident along the morphological saddle of access to Civita, which since 1764 has undergone a drop of about 40 meters.
Room 2 – FOSSILS
The geological history and marine fossils of the area between Bagnoregio and the Tiber Valley. The territory of Bagnoregio is characterized by sandy clay of marine origin from the Lower Pleistocene covered by the volcanic deposits of the Vulsino Volcanic District.
Room 3 – HISTORY
So far, 134 landslides described in manuscripts, chronicles, documents, and various publications have been documented: these documents show a reduction of the inhabited center, due to the landslides.
San Bonaventura is the most illustrious character of the city, he made the name of Civita famous throughout Europe: religious, philosopher and theologian, he was bishop, cardinal and minister general of the Franciscan Order and is considered one of the most important biographers of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Room 4 – CIVITA
Monitoring of landslide phenomena represents the starting point for the implementation of prevention and risk mitigation programs connected to the instability of the slopes.