Civita: A Day Trip Dream Near Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable day trip from Rome, you should consider visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a medieval village perched on a tuff cliff in the midst of a vast valley. Civita di Bagnoregio is known as "the dying city" because it is at constant risk of destruction due to erosion and natural disasters. However, this also makes it a fascinating place to explore, as it preserves the architecture and atmosphere of ancient times.

Civita di Bagnoregio is located about 125 km north of Rome, in the region of Lazio. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there by car, or about 2 hours and 30 minutes by public transport. The village itself is inaccessible to vehicles and can only be reached by a pedestrian bridge that spans the valley. The entrance fee is €3 on weekdays and €5 on Sundays and holidays.

Getting There

By Public Transport

If you don't have a car, you can still visit Civita di Bagnoregio by public transport, but you need to plan ahead and check the timetables carefully. From Roma Termini, take the train to Orvieto, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Then, outside Orvieto train station, catch the Cotral bus to Bagnoregio, which takes about 30 minutes. The buses are infrequent and do not run on Sundays, so make sure you check the schedule on the Cotral website. Once you arrive in Bagnoregio, follow the yellow signs marked "Civita" to reach the parking lot, where you can start your walk to the village.

By Car

The easiest way to get to Civita di Bagnoregio is by car. From Rome, take the A1 highway (autostrada) north, exit at Orvieto and follow the signs to Bagnoregio. You can park your car in the parking lot near the footbridge for €1 per hour, or anywhere in Bagnoregio where you see a metered parking sign. The walk to the village is about 1 km long and involves some stairs and a steep climb, so wear comfortable shoes and bring some water.

What to See

Civita di Bagnoregio is a small village that can be explored in a couple of hours. However, it offers plenty of charm and history that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. Here are some of the highlights:

• Porta S. Maria: This is the only remaining entrance to Civita di Bagnoregio, carved from the rock by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago and renovated in the 12th century with a Gothic arch. It welcomes you to the village with a stunning view of the valley.
• Chiesa San Donato: This is the main church of Civita di Bagnoregio, dating back to the 6th century and dedicated to the patron saint of the village. It features a Romanesque bell tower, a Renaissance portal, and a Baroque interior with frescoes and paintings.
• Palazzo Alemanni: This is one of the oldest buildings in Civita di Bagnoregio, dating back to the 13th century. It was once the residence of a noble family and now houses a museum that displays archaeological finds, historical documents, and artworks related to the village.
• Maria's Garden: This is a lovely garden that belongs to Maria Elena Andruccioli, one of the few permanent residents of Civita di Bagnoregio. She grows flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits in her garden and sells them to visitors. She also offers guided tours of her garden and her home.
• Etruscan Caves: These are ancient caves that were dug by the Etruscans under the village and used for various purposes, such as storage, water supply, and defense. You can visit some of them with a local guide and learn more about the history and culture of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Top Attractions at Civita di Bagnoregio

Porta Santa Maria

The only remaining entrance to Civita di Bagnoregio is a stone passageway that was carved by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago. It was renovated in the 12th century to add a gothic arch. As you walk through it, you will feel like you are stepping back in time to an ancient world.

Chiesa San Donato

The main church of Civita di Bagnoregio dates back to the 6th century and is dedicated to Saint Donatus, the patron saint of the village. The church has a simple Romanesque facade and a bell tower that was added in the 16th century. Inside, you can admire a wooden crucifix from the 15th century and a fresco of the Last Judgment from the 16th century.

More Attractions

• Palazzo Alemanni: A medieval palace that was once the residence of the noble Alemanni family. It has a beautiful courtyard with a well and a loggia.
• Maria's Garden: A charming garden that offers stunning views of the valley and the surrounding hills. It is named after Maria, a local woman who created it with passion and care.
• Etruscan Caves: A network of underground tunnels and chambers that were dug by the Etruscans for storage, water supply and defense. You can explore them with a guided tour.

Activities and Experiences

Wine Tasting

Civita di Bagnoregio is located in the heart of Umbria, a region famous for its wine production. You can visit a local winery and taste some of the finest wines in Italy, such as Orvieto Classico, Grechetto and Sagrantino. You will also learn about the history and culture of wine making in Umbria.

Hiking

If you love nature and adventure, you can hike along the trails that connect Civita di Bagnoregio with other nearby villages, such as Lubriano, Montefiascone and Bolsena. You will enjoy breathtaking scenery, fresh air and historical sites along the way.

Lesser Known Stories, Interesting Facts about Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio has a fascinating and rich history that spans millennia. Here are some of the lesser known stories and interesting facts about this unique place:

• Civita di Bagnoregio was founded by the Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago on a strategic location overlooking the Tiber river valley. It was later conquered by the Romans, who called it Balneum Regis (King's Bath).
• Civita di Bagnoregio was once connected to the mainland by a large bridge that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1695. Since then, the village has been isolated and accessible only by a pedestrian bridge that was built in 1965.
• Civita di Bagnoregio is known as "the dying city" because of the constant erosion of its tuff cliff, which causes parts of the village to collapse over time. The population has dwindled from thousands in the Middle Ages to less than 20 today.
• Civita di Bagnoregio has inspired many artists and writers over the centuries, such as Bonaventura Tecchi, who wrote a novel about it called "The Dying City", and Hayao Miyazaki, who used it as a model for his animated film "Castle in the Sky".