Civita di Bagnoregio

Perched on an eroding volcanic rock plateau, this tiny medieval village is nicknamed 'the dying city' due to its crumbling cliffs. It is one of Italy's most dramatic and photogenic hilltop towns.

Things to do

• Walk the pedestrian bridge — The long footbridge is the only access and offers stunning views.
• Explore the medieval streets — The village is tiny but atmospheric — allow 2 hours to wander.
• Visit the Geology Museum — A small local museum explaining the town's fascinating volcanic erosion story.
• Photograph at sunset — The golden light on the tufa cliffs from the viewpoints below is extraordinary.
• Hike the gorge trails — Paths below the plateau wind through the dramatic Calanchi ravines.

Food to try

• Acquacotta — A humble rustic soup of wild herbs and stale bread from northern Lazio.
• Cinghiale in Umido — Wild boar stew slow-cooked with local red wine and aromatics.
• Pecorino Viterbese — Sharp aged sheep's milk cheese from the Viterbo area.
• Tozzetti — Crunchy almond biscuits from the Tuscia tradition, perfect with dessert wine.

Local customs & good to know

• Pay the entry fee — A small access fee is charged at the bridge to fund preservation efforts.
• Visit early morning — The village has very few permanent residents and gets crowded by midday.
• Stay respectful — Although a tourist site, a handful of people still live here — keep noise low.