Civita di Bagnoregio is a stunning hilltop town located in central Italy, perched on top of a plateau in the Lazio region. 

Often referred to as the “dying town,” Civita di Bagnoregio has a rich history that dates back more than 2,500 years. The town’s unique charm and beauty have made it a popular tourist destination in recent years.

I have been extremely lucky to have visited and fallen in love with so many places whilst on my travels around Italy. Civita di Bagnoregio is one such place. it was a hot day, overcast and muggy. We left Rome around 10am and set out to explore this wonderful place. We parked in Bagnoreggio as you cannot drive to the Civita as it is pedestrianised and only accessible via  a pedestrian bridge.

The images above were taken prior to walking down and crossing the walk way from an overlook area. Immediately I was struck by the panorama before me. The town is perched on top of a plateau surrounded by a deep canyon, providing incredible views of the surrounding countryside. The town’s strategic location protected it from potential invaders throughout its history, making it an important stronghold for many centuries. 

Civita is situated in the valley of the badlands (Valle dei Calanchi) whose erosion of tuff  (a volcanic ash which is lithified into a solid rock) lends to its unique look. This has been exaggerated over time by erosion from rain and the elements.

We headed over the bridge and up towards to Civita. By this time it was lunchtime and we were starving. As we walked through the main arch we were confronted by a wonderful little restaurant in the courtyard. It only had a few tables and they were set out on a split level with top level being cooled by vines and hanging grapes.

We drank a cold lemon water to cool down and began to scan the menu. There it was.. it jumped out immediately from the small page.. Papardelli al ragu di chinghiale  I had to try it! A wild boar ragu with lovely thick ribbon papardelli, It was one of the most incredible dishes I have ever eaten, so rich and meaty, seriously unbelievable.. I can remember it exactly now! all washed down with a good Montepulciano. I will never forget that lunch, contemplating the meal we had just eaten and soaking up the environment we wondered at the surrounding town and what lay ahead of us.

The history of Civita is fascinating. According to legend, the town was founded by the Etruscans in the 6th century BC. The town was strategically built on top of a hill to protect it from potential invaders. Throughout the centuries, Civita has been conquered and ruled by various groups, including the Romans, the Lombards, and the Papacy.

The town’s decline began in the 16th century when an earthquake damaged many of its buildings and over time, the town’s population dwindled as residents moved to nearby towns and cities in search of work and better living conditions. Today, only a handful of people live in Civita year-round, (total number being 16) with most of the town’s inhabitants being tourists and visitors.
Despite its dwindling population, Civita is a stunning example of medieval architecture. The town is surrounded by a deep canyon, which has protected it from outside influences for centuries. Visitors to Civita can stroll along its cobblestone streets, admiring its well-preserved buildings and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

One of the most notable buildings in Civita is the Church of San Donato, which dates back to the 12th century. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and features a stunning bell tower that can be seen from miles away.
Another popular attraction in Civita is the Ponte della Maddalena, also known as the Bridge of Death. The bridge was built in the 17th century and is an impressive feat of engineering. However, it is also a testament to the town’s precarious position, as it was built to allow residents to flee quickly in case of an attack. The town’s strategic location protected it from potential invaders throughout its history, making it an important stronghold for many centuries.

As I wandered through the town’s narrow streets, I admired its well-preserved buildings, many of which date back to the Middle Ages.  I couldn’t help but feel transported back in time. The town’s slow pace and quiet streets are a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern life. It’s the perfect place to slow down, relax, and enjoy the simple things in life and with its stunning views and historic charm, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

As a photographer, I was thrilled to visit Civita di Bagnoregio. The town’s unique location and well-preserved medieval architecture made it an ideal destination for capturing stunning photographs. The views from the top of the plateau are breathtaking, and I was able to capture some incredible shots of the surrounding countryside.

The deep canyon and rolling hills provide a dramatic backdrop that’s perfect for landscape shots. I spent hours capturing the changing light and colors as the afternoon sun peeled across  the town and surrounding countryside.

Overall, Civita di Bagnoregio is a dream destination for any photographer. Its unique landscape and architecture provide endless opportunities for stunning shots, and its rich history and culture make it an ideal place to capture the essence of Italy. I highly recommend adding it to your travel photography bucket list.  

This print is available from my store page here:

https://www.tomparsons.co.uk/bagnoreggio-landscape-lazio

This image is available as an A3 Fine art Gyclee print on A2 320 gsm photo rag rearl paper. Allowing for white border, framed with a black thin wooden frame, with a spacer and mounted to Kappa board.

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