Civita di Bagnoregio Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Civita di Bagnoregio, one of Italy's hidden gems.
- Introduction to Civita di Bagnoregio
- List of Places to Visit in Civita di Bagnoregio
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Best Things to Do in Civita di Bagnoregio: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Civita di Bagnoregio
- Food and Drink Scene of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Where to Stay in Civita di Bagnoregio: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Civita di Bagnoregio: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Best Time to Visit Civita di Bagnoregio
- Do’s and Don’ts of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Civita di Bagnoregio: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Civita di Bagnoregio
- Where to Go Next from Civita di Bagnoregio: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Civita di Bagnoregio
Located in the province of Viterbo, in the Lazio region of Central Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio is a captivating medieval village perched on top of a hill and connected to the mainland by a single footbridge.
Also known as the “dying city”, the village has gradually been eroded by time and weather, leading to the collapse of several buildings. Despite the destruction, Civita di Bagnoregio remains a charming destination with a rich history and stunning panoramas.
List of Places to Visit in Civita di Bagnoregio
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Chiesa di San Donato: a medieval church dedicated to St. Donato
- Museo Geologico e delle Frane: a geological museum that showcases the erosion process that has affected the region
- Palazzo Alemanni: a historic palace built in the 13th century that now serves as a cultural center and hosts art exhibitions
Natural Attractions of Civita di Bagnoregio: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Belvedere Terrazza: a terrace that offers sweeping views of the landscape
- Civita di Bagnoregio viewpoint: a vantage point overlooking the village and its surroundings
- Valle dei Calanchi: a scenic valley with eroded rock formations
Hiking/Biking Routes of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Trail of the Brigands: a path that leads through the valley and over the hills
- Sentiero della Bufera: a picturesque route that winds through the countryside
- Via Cave: a walkway that takes visitors through Civita’s rock formations
Best Things to Do in Civita di Bagnoregio: Activities and Tours
- Discover Civita’s history and legends with a guided tour
- Try your hand at pasta-making or other local culinary traditions with a cooking class
- Join a wine-tasting tour to sample some of the region’s famous wines
Week-Long Itinerary for Civita di Bagnoregio
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Civita di Bagnoregio’s old town and Chiesa di San Donato |
| 2 | Hike the valley trail and enjoy the scenic views |
| 3 | Take a day trip to the nearby Viterbo for a spa treatment at the Terme dei Papi |
| 4 | Visit the Museum of Geology and the cliff-hanging town of Orvieto |
| 5 | Enjoy a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian pasta |
| 6 | Take a wine-tasting tour of the countryside |
| 7 | Relax and soak in the beauty of Civita and its surroundings |
Food and Drink Scene of Civita di Bagnoregio
Must-Try Dishes
- Pici: a thick, tubular pasta often served with spicy ragù sauce
- Cinghiale alla cacciatora: braised wild boar stew
- Cannellini beans with spicy sausage
Local Beverages
- Orvieto Classico: a dry white wine made from grapes grown in the nearby Orvieto region
Where to Stay in Civita di Bagnoregio: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Residenza d’Epoca: a historic townhouse with elegant rooms and a panoramic terrace
- Agriturismo San Carlo: a farmhouse that offers rustic accommodations and an on-site restaurant
- B&B La Terrazza Sul Lago: a welcoming Bed and Breakfast with a terrace overlooking Lake Bolsena
What to Buy in Civita di Bagnoregio: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Ceramics and pottery: Civita di Bagnoregio is known for its traditional pottery
- Cantucci cookies: a classic Italian biscuit, great for enjoying with coffee or tea
Local Culture and Customs of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Civita di Bagnoregio hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Festa di San Donato in August and the Wine and Chocolate Festival in September
- As a tourist in Italy, it is customary to greet people and say goodbye with a kiss on both cheeks
Best Time to Visit Civita di Bagnoregio
The best time to visit Civita di Bagnoregio is from April to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, be prepared for crowds during peak season, especially in June, July, and August.
Do’s and Don’ts of Civita di Bagnoregio
Do:
- Respect the locals and their customs
- Plan ahead for peak season, as the village can become crowded
- Take plenty of photos of the stunning views
Don’t:
- Litter or leave trash behind
- Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting churches or other sacred places
- Be loud or disruptive, especially at night
Safety and Health
Safety in Civita di Bagnoregio
The village is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of the steep and uneven paths. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and take caution when walking around the village and its surroundings.
Health in Civita di Bagnoregio
No specific health concerns are associated with Civita di Bagnoregio, but visitors should have medical insurance and take necessary precautions when traveling.
Getting to Civita di Bagnoregio: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Civita di Bagnoregio
The closest international airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, approximately 2 hours away by car. Smaller airports near Civita di Bagnoregio include Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi and Florence Airport.
Bus Stations Near Civita di Bagnoregio
The closest bus station is located in the nearby town of Orvieto, with a direct bus to Civita di Bagnoregio available.
Other Options
Driving is also an option, with car rentals available at the airports in Rome, Florence, and Perugia.
How to Get Around in Civita di Bagnoregio
The village is accessible only on foot, so visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk. However, electric golf carts are available to transport visitors with mobility issues or heavy luggage.
Where to Go Next from Civita di Bagnoregio: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Orvieto: a cliff-hanging town famous for its iconic 14th-century cathedral and underground tunnels
- Viterbo: a charming medieval town with hot springs and a historic center
- Lake Bolsena: a scenic lake with beaches and water sports
Conclusion
Civita di Bagnoregio is a one-of-a-kind destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich cultural history, the village offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors from all around the world.
