Day 8: Civita di Bagnoregio

Rick Steves (of guidebook fame) calls Civita di Bagnoregio "Italy's ultimate hill town". It is connected to the town of Bagnoregio by a long pedestrian bridge. No cars are allowed (or could possibly get to) Civita, but we did see a motorcycle hightailing it up there. We only spent one night here and left the next morning. But we had the entire afternoon and evening to enjoy this out-of-the-way respite from the cities. It's a tiny place. After all, how much town can you balance on that little rock in the canyon? But it is also medieval and rich in history. It was a bit of work getting to and from Civita. To get there we took a train to Chiusi, then another train to Orvieto, then a bus to Bagnoregio where we walked about 20 minutes to the base of the bridge.

Civita, the surrounding canyon, and the pedestrian bridge.

Civita from below as we were climbing the bridge.

Walls near the entrance to Civita. Over time, parts of the cliffs have fallen away, taking houses and other buildings with them. Here is a prime example that can be seen all over the little village: windows to blue sky.

The little cathedral in Civita. Some interesting art pieces in here and a 15th century pear wood crucifix that they parade through the town during the midnight procession on Good Friday.

Our little room (and I do mean LITTLE) is the top right window on the building next to the cathedral. The shower was so small even I could barely turn around in it without knocking into the wall.

This arch marks the entrance to Civita. (I took this photo facing outside the town.) This passageway was cut by the Etruscans (pre-Romans) 2,500 years ago!

Picturesque street in Civita.

Another street.

Another street. Colorful flowers were everywhere.

Maria, one of the two remaining permanent residents of this dying town, keeps a garden and asks for a donation of one euro to see it. There are some great views from the garden's balconies.

An Etruscan tunnel under the village.

A little cafe along the main street.

Another side street.

The arch at night.

Civita street at night.

Another Civita street at night.

The next day can be found here.