The Dying City, Civita di Bagnoregio
The decaying town of Civita Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio ("Civita") is a hilly city located in the province of Viterbo, about 110 km north of Rome. Civita is a popular tourist destination from Orvieto as it is only a half-hour drive (21 kilometers) by car/bus from Orvieto.
Founded by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, Civita is a city with a long history. However, earthquakes and landslides over the centuries have eroded the soft volcanic foundation on which Civita is built, and the town has shrunk over the years. In the Middle Ages, the plateau was three times the size of the present site and was home to over 3,000 people. But today the population is only 8 (12 in the summer); the population of cat "residents" is said to be much higher… Due to further collapse by earthquake and wind/rain erosion, Civita has been called "La città che muore" , "the dying city".
As one stands on the observation deck on the opposite site of the bridge to Civita, the view that strikes in front is simply breathtaking, similar to that of the Grand Canion. Crossing the 300-meter bridge (on foot only, built in 1995), the town is like something out of a fairy tale, with churches, squares, several cafes, and a few restaurants. Walking through the beautiful flower-filled streets, one will not sense the tragic history and fate of this beautiful hilltop village.
Attracted by the mysterious and beautiful scenery of Civita, 10,000 tourists from all over the world visit the area each day during the travel season.
The sister city of Bagno Reggio, located at the foot of the bridge, has been working hard to protect Civita from excessive tourism. It supports Civita residents and Civita's tourism industry with tax revenue from tourism. In 2017, it applied for UNESCO's World Heritage listing and is an Italian candidate for the 2022 World Heritage Committee (still waiting for the results as I write this post).
Civita is dying, geologically speaking, but it is said to be refusing to become a "dying city". What is its fate?
In Italy, more than 2,600 towns are depopulated. They must be watching Civita's fate as if it were their own.