About this experience
A crumbling city with almost no inhabitants, where the sound of the bell echoes for several kilometers with a slightly melancholic tone, yet welcomes every guest. Here, there are still permanent residents, markets take place, and a tavern operates. And all this on a small mountain peak. Civita di Bagnoregio is a treasure trove of mysterious stories and a continuous panoramic platform with breathtaking views and a unique atmosphere.
What to Expect
What Civita Remembers
Being in the 'dying city,' you will realize that time has almost stopped here. I will tell you where the name 'Bagnoregio' came from, the story of Civita's native - Saint Bonaventure, and also share how the only road-bridge connecting two cities was built. You will learn about the intimidating lion reliefs holding human heads on the main gates of Civita, squeezed between houses. This land bore traces of the Etruscans, and near one of Civita's scenic viewpoints, you will see a grotto - an Etruscan burial site, and then learn how this necropolis is connected to the name of Saint Francis.
Iconic Places of the 'Dying City'
You will enter the city through a three-hundred-meter bridge over the Gate of Saint Mary, visit the cave of Saint Bonaventure, and explore the church of San Donato, whose walls are painted by students of the Perugino school. Together, we will walk through ancient streets and admire the beautiful views of the Valley of the Barren Lands. There, I will tell you how the ocean floor turned into a picturesque landscape and why Civita is gradually crumbling. You will learn how recent earthquakes have affected the city and who lives here now. And if you wish, you may even visit the local market (held only on Mondays) or (after the tour) visit the farm of Signor Franke, where you can buy sheep milk cheeses.
Organizational Details
- You will need to independently travel from Rome to the train station in Viterbo, Orte, or Orvieto, where I will meet you (and where I will escort you after the tour)
- Entrance to the city of Civita di Bagnoregio is subject to an additional fee: 5€ per person
- On weekends and holidays, direct access to the entrance of the city is not possible. There is a shuttle bus from the official parking lot in Bagnoregio (1 euro per person one way), but this path can also be walked (2 km). It's even better this way, as along the way, you can see the church with the gilded cast of the hand of St. Bonaventure.
- If you wish to visit Signor Franke's farm after the tour, please inform me in advance
Irina
February 21, 2020
Svetlana is amazing! The tour was wonderfully organized, with great care for the tourists, lots of interesting and useful information provided, she answered all our questions! If only there was a bit more time, we would definitely go on another trip with her! Thank you!
Svetlana
February 6, 2020
Definitely recommend this excursion and guide Svetlana to everyone. Everything is very clear, attentive, and informative. Excellent tour!!! Thank you very much, Svetlana
Tatyana
November 27, 2019
We spent the whole day with Svetlana. We met at the train station in Viterbo, and after a walk and a wonderful lunch, we went to Civita. Svetlana is an attentive and caring guide, she told interesting stories and answered all our questions. It turns out that events that influenced Italian history to...
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