Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio is a hill town (typically just "Civita" to locals), we visited on Tuesday, April 22. It is one of the least changed or inhabited of any place we have visited. To summarize my understanding, these hill towns date back to medieval times, but many have undergone change over time and now have more of a renaissance design and architecture. Civita, however, has remained medieval. The road used over the centuries connecting Civita to the town of Bagnoregio has gradually eroded, the town is now only accessible by a steep and lengthy foot bridge.

Ben and I didn't know if we would see the difference in the renaissance hill town vs. this medieval destination. However, the difference in this town was obvious. Different stone work and many original old medieval entry ways made this town and all its detail interesting just to look at. It was small enough that we were able to walk every lane. The views of the surrounding area were incredible. The main town square was still dirt, everywhere else we have been they are stone or brick.

There were a few buildings under renovation and I had read that the town is currently largely uninhabited but homes are being purchased and renovated by wealthy Italians who will use this secluded location as their vacation retreat.

Currently their are a a couple of wine bars (we enjoyed one), a few restaurants and a handful of shops. Which, was actually more than we expected. Additionally, there was a charge of 1.5 Euro to access the foot bridge which we had not read about and assumed to be new. So, the opportunity for tourism as more learn of Civita is apparent to the locals. I hope it maintains its untouched appeal. Arriving by car was definitely ideal. The bus would have gotten us there, but it was great to be on our own schedule.

That night, we found a free parking spot in our home hill town of Orvieto, both finding a free spot on the street and Ben's skillful parallel parking on a hill gave us reason to celebrate.