The small town of Civita di Bagnoregio is located 120 kilometers from Rome.

Its unique location is perched on a cliff. Unlike most other towns, Civita di Bagnoregio sits not on the side of a cliff, but on its summit.

Civita di Bagnoregio’s main feature is its lack of inhabitants, making it known as the “Dead City.” While this may sound rather gloomy, the town is actually pleasant and interesting, a kind of amusement park for tourists.

Where have the inhabitants gone?
Civita di Bagnoregio was built by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago. However, the town was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1695, forcing local residents to abandon it. Furthermore, less powerful earthquakes have occurred since then. For many years, the city on the cliff was cut off from the rest of the world and stood empty. This is why it earned its name – La citta che muore – “The Dying City.”

Only in 1965 was a pedestrian bridge built to it. However, due to frequent landslides, the city is no longer inhabited permanently. However, it is filled with tourists from all over the world every day.

Why visit?
The city, abandoned for several centuries, is frozen in the Middle Ages. And this is its main attraction: everything remains as it was then.

Be sure to stroll its narrow cobblestone streets, carefully examining the details. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages.

The houses are built with external staircases, interesting arches, miniature balconies, and narrow windows. Some houses remain uninhabited. But others now house cafes, snack bars, restaurants, and even mini-hotels. There are also numerous souvenir shops.

This miniature town also has its own square, which includes a functioning church.