Listed as one of “i borghi più belli d’Italia” (“The most beautiful villages of Italy”), this walled town is a so picturesque that when you look at your photos, you’ll have to tell friends “this is a real place!” When we arrived by car, we parked in a small parking lot at the base of the hill. We boarded a city bus that drops you up at the top. Keep in mind that the walk to the Civita is long and steep and may not be suitable for all travelers, but I promise that it is worth every drop of sweat to get there. Inside the city walls, you’ll find the typical piazze and churches. Not large at all, this is a the perfect stop if you are in Tuscany and are heading to Rome or south. Don’t miss it…
Civita di Bagnoregio
City: Civita di Bagnoregio
Region: Lazio
About the Region:
Lazio is often seen only as the region that holds Rome, but it offers so much more beyond the Eternal City. Of course, Rome itself is reason enough to visit. Walking its streets is like wandering through a living museum, where ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and bustling piazzas blend seamlessly with modern life. The Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain are icons everyone should see at least once.
But beyond Rome, Lazio’s countryside is filled with surprises. Just an hour away lies Tivoli, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este with its stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, the sprawling ancient retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and often overlooked by travelers.
Further north, you’ll find the medieval hill town of Viterbo, known for its well-preserved historic center and ancient thermal baths. Nearby, Civita di Bagnoregio sits atop a crumbling cliff, accessible only by footbridge, earning it the name “the dying town” – a hauntingly beautiful place frozen in time.
Lazio also boasts volcanic lakes like Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, boating, or dining lakeside at family-run trattorias. The region’s food reflects rustic Roman flavors: hearty pastas like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, and porchetta roasted to perfection.
Visiting Lazio means experiencing the grandeur of Rome and discovering a countryside rich with history, quiet beauty, and authentic Italian life that few tourists ever see.