Surroundings of Rome: Civita di Bagnoregio, the fairytale village of Tuscia
If you are planning a stay in Rome and wish to discover some hidden treasures around the eternal city, Civita di Bagnoregio is a stop you absolutely cannot miss. This enchanting village, also known as "the dying city," offers a unique experience that will take you back in time, far from the city bustle. Located in the Tuscia region, Civita di Bagnoregio captivates visitors with its millennia-old history, breathtaking landscapes, and magical, surreal atmosphere.
A Journey into the Past
Imagine crossing a long pedestrian bridge suspended in mid-air, leading you to a small village perched on a tuff hill. From this first step, Civita di Bagnoregio begins to reveal its fairytale charm. Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, this town has seen numerous civilizations flourish and decline, maintaining its ancient spirit intact. Its walls and houses are silent witnesses of a glorious past, which you can feel in every corner.
The narrow, winding streets of Civita will guide you through a labyrinth of medieval buildings, hidden squares, and breathtaking views. The central square, Piazza San Donato, hosts a 7th-century church that dominates the landscape with its simplicity and beauty. This church, with its bell tower and austere interior, is a place of peace and reflection. As you stroll through the village, you can admire Renaissance palaces like Palazzo Alemanni, which today houses an interesting museum that tells the story and traditions of this corner of paradise. 
Civita di Bagnoregio is the ideal place for a day trip away from the chaos of Rome. Here, time seems to have stopped, and every corner tells a story. You can relax in one of the characteristic cafes, enjoying a panoramic view of the surrounding calanchi, deep grooves and ravines that create an almost lunar landscape. This unique natural setting will make you feel like you're in another dimension, where nature and history blend in a perfect embrace.
One of the most fascinating features of Civita di Bagnoregio is its vulnerability to erosion. The tuff hill on which it stands is continuously shaped by the elements, making the village a place in perpetual transformation. This natural phenomenon gives Civita a particular charm, making it appear like an island suspended in time and space. Every visit to Civita is unique, as the landscape and structures change slowly but incessantly, always offering new emotions and discoveries.
Despite its small size, Civita di Bagnoregio is animated by cultural and religious events that enrich its atmosphere. If you visit the village in July, don't miss the feast of San Bonaventura, the patron saint of the town. This celebration, with processions, shows, and moments of conviviality, will immerse you in local traditions and the warmth of the community. During the Christmas period, the living nativity scene transforms Civita into an open-air stage, offering an unforgettable spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the world.
How to Get There
Reaching Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome is simple and pleasant. By car, the journey takes about an hour and a half, crossing the picturesque landscapes of the Lazio countryside. This region, with its green hills, picturesque villages, and vineyards, is a delight for the eyes and an invitation to discovery. Once you arrive in Bagnoregio, you can park and continue on foot, crossing the famous pedestrian bridge that leads to the village. This bridge, with its imposing structure and breathtaking panorama, is an attraction in itself, worthy of a souvenir photo.
If you are looking for a unique excursion during your stay in Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio awaits you with its timeless charm and natural beauty. This fairytale village in Tuscia is a hidden gem that will give you unforgettable memories and an authentic taste of Italian history and culture. Every corner of Civita tells a story, and every stone is a piece of a mosaic that dates back millennia.
