The village Bagnoregio, famous for being the birthplace of Saint Bonaventura, is an old village situated in a very special environment characterised by vast woods and white gullies of clay at only 31 km from Viterbo.

The village is divided into two by the central way that leads to the Cathedral of Saint Nicola. The cathedral, built on an old church, has among its interior some precious object. Especially worth mentioning is an illuminated parchment bible of the XII century that, according to the legend, was the property of Saint Bonaventura. Of great historical and artistic value is as well the church of Saint Augustine. The church, exemplar of a Romanic-gothic style, is rich of valuable frescos and is known for its lovely cloister of the XVI century.

The old town centre stretches to the Belvedere (i.e. the Viewpoint) from which can be admired Civita di Bagnoregio, which is widely known as the ‘city that is dying’ and rises stately in the Valley of Calanchi. The landscape with its great emotive impact is characterised by the colorful contrast between the warm color of the tuff of the medieval houses and the fantastic bright white of the gullies of clay that isolates the village from the surroundings.

A bridge only for pedestrians links Bagnoregio to Civita di Bagnoregio. Only few people today inhabits the latter city and it is destined to die out due to the continuous erosion of the clay by force of the atmospheric agents.

Walking through the narrow alleys of Civita, thanks also to the total absence of cars, you will find yourself plunged in an ancient genuine atmosphere that leads you back in time. Crossing the bridge back to everyday life will leave you with the feeling of having left behind you a precious small world that you cannot forget.

In the area

Lubriano. At only 3,5 km from Bagnoregio, the small and charming village of Lubriano deserves a stop for the stunning view that offers on Civita di Bagnoregio and the Calanchi Valley. Its town centre is symbolised by the picturesque presence of the Monaldeschi Palace and Tower both of the twelfth century.   

How to get there

For those that arrive by car from the highway A1 (either in direction Florence from the Grande Raccordo Anulare, the highway surrounding Rome, or by Florence directed towards Rome) take the exit ‘Orvieto’. From here follow indications for Bagnoregio. The closest train stations are those of Orvieto and Viterbo well linked to Roma Termini. From both stations there are regional busses towards Bagnoregio.