The Dying Town of Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Civita di Bagnoregio, The Dying City, Italy © Janmiko1 | Dreamstime

Civita di Bagnorgeio is one of Italy’s forgotten gems. While cities like Rome and Venice continue to become more cosmopolitan, Civita managed to hangtightly onto its Renaissance history, making it an unforgettable experience for those who visit.

Nicknamed the Dying Town due to Italians fleeing the city in droves over the years, it’s not a place to go if you’re looking for excellent nightlife or activities. The city sits high atop a pinnacle rising from the surrounding canyon and is accessible only by a footbridge.

An enormous stone entranceway cut 2,500 years ago welcomes you into a city lined with stone streets and buildings seemingly from the Middle Ages. There are ancient cellars and Renaissance palaces dotted throughout the city and part of Civita’s charm is exploring around every corner just to see what you might find.

Civita di Bagnoregio, The Dying City, Italy © Stevanzz | Dreamstime

It’s a town steeped in historical artifacts and an older way of life. You’ll find pillars from pagan temples and remnants of Etruscan and Roman churches and temples, as well.
During the holiday season you can watch the spectacle of a live nativity scene acted out in the main piazza, while in the summer it plays host to a small market of goods and wild donkey races.

The locals are a friendly bunch, though the rich are taking over as more and more people leave to find more modern conveniences. Civita di Bagnorgeio is the perfect place to enjoy a little peace and quiet while taking in Italy’s vast wealth of culture and history.