Civita di Bagnoregio is a small village in the province of Viterbo particularly characteristic because it is located on top of a tuff hill approximately 450 meters high, shaped by rain and wind. Seen from afar, the village seems suspended in time, almost surreal. Its beauty leaves you breathless. Due to this particularity, the place is much loved by tourists from all over the world.
"The Dying City"
Civita di Bagnoregio, in the heart of Tuscia near Viterbo, is the cradle of Etruscan civilisation. It is known as the dying city, as the writer defined it Bonaventure Tecchi, due to its position on a tufaceous spur which makes it appear to be in the balance. The action of the wind and rain, together with the two streams that flow along the valleys below, erode the walls of the hill, reducing its size more and more with each passing year. This image of the country, together with the Calanque Valley, can be admired in all its extraordinary beauty from Belvedere of Civita.
The pedestrian bridge and the Porta di Santa Maria
The enchanting and enchanted village of Civita di Bagnoregio can be reached after crossing the pedestrian bridge that leads to the Porta di Santa Maria or della Cava, the only remaining access door of the five that once existed. The door is decorated with two lions holding two human heads in their claws, symbol of the victory of the Bagnoresi over the Monaldeschi lords of Orvieto, in 1494.
The numerous earthquakes that have occurred in this place over the centuries have caused several collapses that have caused beautiful churches and structures to sink into the valley. This has contributed, over time, to increasing the sense of fragility of the place, making it even more fascinating.
Civita di Bagnoregio: the ancient village
Entering the village, various streets and alleys open up which allow you to admire the beauties present, in terms of monuments, churches and medieval buildings, oil mills, but also in terms of shops, stairs, portals, balconies decorated with flowers and plants. Even the cats that populate the village make everything even more magical and surreal. The beautiful view overlooks the main square Cathedral of San Donato, from the 1511th century. Built in Romanesque style, in 1524 it was rebuilt to a design by the architect Nicola Matteucci of Caprarola and, in XNUMX, the central portal was added to the façade. The interior of the church is divided into three naves. There you can admire a wooden crucifix from the school of Donatello and a fresco from the school of Perugino.
On the same square it also stands Alemanni Palace, which is home to Geological and Landslide Museum which houses four rooms. Also worth visiting is Cave of San Bonaventura, which was originally an Etruscan tomb. Here, according to tradition, Saint Francis of Assisi stopped in prayer during his stays in Bagnoregio. Visiting this wonderful country, among the most beautiful in Italy, is an exciting and unforgettable experience, absolutely worth experiencing.
(Photo: Civita di Bagnoregio, Facebook Page)
