Civita di Bagnoregio

Welcome to the edge of the world, or so it seems as we gaze across the 'Valle dei Calanchi'—the Valley of the Badlands—toward the hauntingly beautiful silhouette of Civita di Bagnoregio, or Chee-vee-ta dee Ban-yo-red-jo. Perched…

As you step onto this narrow concrete artery, you are embarking on a fifteen-minute adventure that offers some of the most dramatic views in all of Italy. This bridge, constructed in 1965, replaced a much older and more…

You have reached the end of the bridge and stand before the majestic Porta Santa Maria, also known as the Porta della Cava. This is the only surviving entrance into the city. …

We emerge from the narrow lanes into the wide, dirt-floored expanse of Piazza San Donato. This is the heart of Civita, the central gathering place where for centuries the community has met to trade, celebrate, and pray. …

Dominating the piazza is the San Donato Church, a building that stands as a testament to the long religious history of this hill. It was founded in the 5th century on the site of a much older temple—first Etruscan and then Roman. …

We now descend into a world hidden beneath the streets: the Antica Civitas cave museum. This space, carved directly into the volcanic tuff, offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the ancestors of Civita. …

As we walk toward the northern edge of the town, we encounter one of the most poignant sights in Civita: a grand Renaissance doorway and elegant windows that lead to... absolutely nothing. …

As our walk through Civita di Bagnoregio comes to an end, we return to the main piazza for a final moment of reflection. We have traveled from the dramatic heights of the footbridge, through the ancient Porta Santa Maria, and…