Civita di Bagnoregio is absolutely one of the most extraordinary villages in Italy, beautiful and unique in its kind, it is an unmissable stop to discover the most genuine and authentic history and traditions of the Tuscan-Lazio Maremma. Nicknamed the Dying City, because it stands on a cliff unfortunately subject to erosion which has led to its progressive isolation, so much so that today it is possible to access the village on foot by crossing a bridge that starts from the nearby village of Bagnoregio, with a walk of about 10 minutes. Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and certainly one of the unmissable destinations in Tuscia, a small village where time seems to have stopped between history and legend…
The history of Civita di Bagnoregio
The area has been inhabited since the Etruscan period, as evidenced by the findings in the area. There was a settlement in Roman times, then subjected by the Goths and the Lombards.
The first certain news regarding the existence of a village dates back to the 6th century, when a castle named Bagnore is mentioned as an episcopal see. The town was owned by the Monaldeschi family, under the government of the city of Orvieto, in the 12th century it became a Free Municipality, while remaining under the influence of Orvieto. The domain of the Monaldeschis lasted for many centuries, until 1494 when Civita di Bagnoregio rose up driving out the family and proclaiming its independence. However, the independence of Civita di Bagnoregio lasted only a few years, when the town was placed under the control of the Regime of Cardinals-Governors, created by Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Between 1600 and 1700 Civita di Bagnoregio suffered two violent earthquakes, following which part of the population decided to abandon their homes and move to nearby Bagnoregio.
What to see in Civita di Bagnoregio
Small and intimate, the village of Civita di Bagnoregio is an attraction in itself, narrow alleys, hidden streets and squares, breathtaking panoramic views and historic buildings... a true marvel!
The Church of San Donato is the most important building in the village of Civita di Bagnoregio, it stands on the main square, in the heart of the town and is one of its most representative buildings. The church dates back to the fifth century, built in Romanesque style, it was then remodeled in 1511 and the project for its restoration was followed by the architect Nicola Matteucci of Caprarola, it is in this period that the elements of the Renaissance style are added. In 1524 the central portal was added. The interior of the church is divided into three naves, inside there are some precious works, a wooden Crucifix from the 1400s and an interesting cycle of frescoes from the Perugino school.
The Grotta di Bonaventura is instead an important place because it is linked to the myth of San Bonaventura who was born in Civita di Bagnoregio in 1221, here according to legend a seriously ill child was miraculously cured by San Francesco who, once the child was cured, addressed him with "Bona Ventura" as an auspicious sign, that child was really San Bonaventura and, once he grew up, he became part of the Franciscan order. St. Bonaventure was an Italian cardinal, philosopher and theologian.
How to get to Civita di Bagnorego
Entry to Civita di Bagnoregio is allowed only on foot, across a bridge that connects it to the nearby town of Bagnoregio. The car park is located in Bagnoregio, and the belvedere is a few minutes' walk away, where the infopoint for the entrance ticket is located (Loc. Mercatello Bagnoregio VT. Tel. +39 3248660940 – Open every day from 8.00 to 20.00 – Ticket € 3 working days € 5 Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and pre-holidays).
