What to see in Civita di Bagnoregio in 2 days: the dying city and its surroundings
Guide on what to see in Civita di Bagnoregio in 2 days: the footbridge, the suspended village, the Valley of Badlands and excursions in the Tuscia Laziale.
What to see in Civita di Bagnoregio in 2 days
Civita di Bagnoregio, the "dying city", is one of Italy's most evocative places. Perched on a tufa spur that erosion thins year by year, reachable only via a pedestrian bridge suspended over the void, Civita is a village outside time with fewer than 10 permanent residents. Two days allow you to visit the village at leisure and explore the Valley of Badlands and the surrounding Tuscia.
Day 1: Civita and the bridge
The Footbridge
The experience begins with the bridge: 300 metres of walkway connecting Bagnoregio to Civita, suspended above the badlands valley. The walk is slightly uphill and offers spectacular views of the village and the lunar landscape around it. At dawn and sunset the light is magical. Entry is ticketed (5 euros, free for residents).
Piazza San Donato
Past the Porta di Santa Maria with its lions gripping human heads (a symbol of the expulsion of tyrants), you enter the main square. The Romanesque Church of San Donato holds a fifteenth-century wooden Crucifix. The square is Civita's living room: a few tables, a suspended atmosphere.
Cave-houses and alleys
Civita's alleys can be walked in an hour, but deserve slowness. Medieval houses are carved into the tufa, hanging gardens overlook the void, and here and there you meet the last residents. The Casa di Bonaventura, dedicated to the philosopher and saint born here, is a small museum.
The viewpoint and the Valley of Badlands
From the edge of the village the view over the Valley of Badlands is striking: formations of clay and tufa sculpted by erosion into an almost Martian landscape. The contrast between the inhabited village and the nature slowly swallowing it is the heart of the Civita experience.
Sunset from the bridge
Returning towards Bagnoregio, stop midway on the bridge for sunset. The golden light transforms Civita into an unreal vision, with the tufa glowing orange and red. The best moment for photography.
Day 2: the Tuscia and surroundings
Bagnoregio
The "mother" town of Civita deserves a visit. The Belvedere in Piazza Sant'Agostino offers the classic view of Civita. The centre has Renaissance palaces, churches and a quiet, authentic atmosphere.
Orvieto
30 minutes by car, Orvieto is unmissable for its Gothic Duomo (one of Italy's finest), the Well of St Patrick and the underground cave network. Allow at least half a day.
Lake Bolsena
20 minutes away, Europe's largest volcanic lake offers beaches, medieval villages (Bolsena, Montefiascone) and lake fish. Bisentina Island is visitable by boat.
The Valley of Badlands on foot
For walkers, the trail descending into the Valley of Badlands starts from Civita and crosses a unique landscape of clay formations. About 2 hours return, with moderate elevation change. Avoid after rain (the ground becomes slippery).
Practical tips
- Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds (Civita is heavily visited)
- In winter and on weekdays the village is almost deserted: the most authentic experience
- Comfortable shoes are essential: the bridge and alleys are on a slope
- Entry tickets are sold at the belvedere in Bagnoregio
- Civita has very few facilities: toilets, a couple of restaurants and a few shops
- A UNESCO World Heritage candidate, it may face growing regulations
See also
Practical info
How long do you need to visit Civita di Bagnoregio?
We recommend spending 2 days visiting Civita di Bagnoregio at a relaxed pace.
What to see in Civita di Bagnoregio in 2 days?
On the first day you explore Civita and the bridge, on the second the Tuscia and surroundings.
When's the best time to go to Bagnoregio?
We recommend April, May, June, September, October and November, the period with the smallest crowds.
How touristy is Bagnoregio?
Bagnoregio is moderately busy compared to the more visited destinations.
What's the location of Bagnoregio?
Bagnoregio is found in the area of Lazio, Italia.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Piazza Cahen ~11 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto Internazionale dell'Umbria - Perugia "San Francesco d'Assisi" PEG ~62 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
