Friday Photos ~ July 7th, 2017 ~ Civita di Bagnoregio


Every year my daughter and her family come to visit us here in Umbria. When the grandkids were younger, they came for three weeks every summer, but now that they are getting older, between summer camps, High School programs, and sports training, we are lucky if they can squeeze in two weeks for their Italian trip. We usually plan their visit so that we take day trips every other day, spending the rest of the time at home so that the kids can enjoy the pool, and we can all relax together.

This year we planned to spend three nights in Riccione so that the guys could cycle and the rest of us enjoy the seaside, but just before heading off to the sea, we took a day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio. Civita is less than an hour’s drive from our place in Umbria and is located just across the border in Lazio.

The tiny town sits high on a ridge surrounded by vast cannons. Over time, the earth has eroded, cutting off Civita from its busier neighbor Bagnoregio, and now the only way to reach the town is by a narrow footbridge. All supplies are brought in by moped trucks which make living there a challenge.

After crossing the footbridge, you are welcomed into the town by a huge stone passageway that was built by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago. The town is tiny, and apart from a handful of little shops, a couple of coffee bars, and five or six restaurants, there is not a lot to see.

I enjoy walking through the town peaking into the lovely flower gardens that overlook the majestic views across the countryside. Like Orvieto, the rocks beneath Civita is very soft and is riddled with ancient cellars used for everything from storing wine to collecting rainwater.

If you are in the area, a trip to Civita di Bagnoregio is a great way to spend a few hours, though once there, apart from strolling through the tiny town, there isn’t a lot to do and the activities are limited.

Our family heading down the path to take the footbridge to Civita.

The long bridge to reach Civita di Bagnoregio.

Walking through Civita. Two children getting an Italian lesson in the piazza.

Photo shows how high Civita sits above the surrounding countryside.

Deborah Mele
July 2017

6 Comments

  1. Thanks for the memory, I will never forget the magical first time we discovered Civita di Bagnoregio – it was just by happenstance that we found it about 4 PM and the sun hitting it just made it sparkle

  2. Always enjoy your photos…have asked in the past the make of camera you use because the photos are so gorgeous…you did not reply …so I am asking again…if you cannot tell me that is fine…just curious…thanks…Anna

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