Italy is no stranger to towns and attractions that look like something from a fairytale, that are so utterly picturesque and magical that is hard to believe it is real. We have seen plenty of these destinations in our journeys through this blog, particularly in areas that can be easily visited by those who book one of our villas in Tuscany. However, another impossibly charming and magical town to add to the list is a must-see for those who book a vacation rental in Latium or a holiday rental in Rome and who are looking for a truly unforgettable day-trip destination: the enchanting town of Civita di Bagnoregio.
Located in an area of craggy peaks and lush valleys, Civita di Bagnoregio is a well-preserved historic walled town perched on a hilltop in the valley of the badlands, or Valle dei Calanchi. Known as the, “dying city,” due to the unstable foundation of the city that is prone to erosion, this magical place is a true foil to Rome, the Eternal City. Still a little bit of a lesser-known gem, though becoming increasingly popular due to its visual appeal leading to viral posts about it online, it is utterly breath-taking from both a distance and close up. This is why it has also been named one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia, or Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.
With only 16 residents, the town can be visited by guests and you can stay overnight but it is worth keeping in mind that you need to be prepared to walk if you want to visit! This is because there is only one way to enter the town: via a long, stone, pedestrian bridge. While this walkway leading up to the town does look rather romantic and like something from times gone by, especially from afar, it is steep and can be a challenging journey. For those who are not in particularly good shape, it might be a little difficult but for those who are up for it, it only adds to the unique day out afforded by Civita di Bagnoregio!
Here is everything you need to know if you are planning a trip to the town during a vacation in Italy.
1. There is an entrance fee
A toll was introduced to enter the town in 2013. The official website of the town states that the money collected from this endeavour, “goes towards restoring monuments and maintaining the town’s rather precarious position on that cliff.”
This toll costs €3 per person on weekdays and €5 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays and your ticket can be purchased at the info point just outside of Civita di Bagnoregio.
Kids under 6, up to two kids between 6 and 13 per couple, disabled visitors with a badge and a helper, and those staying overnight in the town may enter for free, however.
2. Where to leave your car
- As the foot bridge is the only way to get into town, you must leave your car at the parking facilities either at the edge of town or at the base of the walkway.
- The yellow signs to Civita will guide you to the parking lot.
- Parking costs €1 per hour, which you can pay at the shop or the restaurant. It may, however, be free on weekdays or off-season when there’s no attendant. It’s best to double-check when you arrive.
3. How to get into town
Once you have parked your car, you can either walk from the parking lot (this takes about 20 minutes from the further away lot) or take one of the yellow minibuses from the gas station to the base of the walkway. One or two buses leave each hour, starting at 7:38 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 8:53 a.m. Sunday, with the last bus leaving at 6:24 p.m. The bus costs €1 per person and this can be paid directly to the driver.
Once at the walkway, it takes about ten minutes to ascend. While this is not a long walk, the path becomes quite steep and this can prove tricky.
4. Some important things to keep in mind
- If you are coming for a day while staying in one of our vacation rentals in Latium during the summer months, be aware that there is a risk of sun stroke if you attempt the walk while it is too hot. Try and come earlier in the day to avoid this.
- You will walk a lot, in general, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll continue to have to walk around once you reach the town.
- It is recommended that you also wear a hat and have some water on your person as well to combat the heat.
5. What to expect when you get to town
Almost untouched since the Middle Ages, even the Renaissance has left little mark on Civita di Bagnoregio, except for the façade of the church, which was remodelled in the 16th century. There are not many typical attractions other than the charm of the town itself, the church with its frescoes by the school of Perugino, a geological museum, and the Grotto of San Bonaventura. Instead of endless things to see and do, therefore, the town offers a pretty place to wander, grab something to eat and drink, and some little shops to buy souvenirs. Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings, sample the incredible local cuisine, and fall in love with this utterly magical little town during a day-trip while you stay in one of our amazing villas in Rome!