I'm from Italy and love visiting this small, breathtaking village that's less than 2 hours from Rome

Business Insider

07-07-2025

I was born and raised in Italy and love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a village north of Rome.
The small village has been nicknamed "The Dying City" due to its fragile infrastructure.
However, from the delicious food to the stunning views, I think it's livelier than ever.
As someone who was born and raised in Rome, I know firsthand that there's nothing more enjoyable than the city's vibrant atmosphere and friendly community.
However, if you're looking for a hidden gem where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy a more peaceful environment, you'll need to look beyond the typical tourist areas.
That's why I love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a charming village just an hour and a half north of Rome that overlooks the badlands.
To get there, visitors have to cross a 984-foot bridge
Strongly affected by earthquakes and erosion, the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio has been nicknamed "The Dying City" due to its fragile infrastructure. Today, it's home to only a handful of residents, but in my opinion, it feels more alive than ever.
Part of its charm is that the only way to get there is via a 984-foot pedestrian bridge from Bagnoregio, a neighboring city that residents rely on for resources.
Fortunately, crossing this peaceful bridge and looking out at the gorgeous views is one of the best parts of the journey. With so few people around, I like to truly romanticise my stroll, looking out at the historic houses and the stunning landscapes of northern Lazio.
And once I arrive in the village, there's so much to explore.
I love stopping at the town's small restaurants
In my opinion, Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect village to experience a traditional Italian meal.
Once in town, I always have lunch at Osteria al Forno di Agnese. This charming restaurant with a welcoming staff serves up everything from homemade pasta to fresh salads. I especially enjoy the pincinelle with pistachio pesto and the mixed salad with strawberries and mozzarella.
In the afternoon, I stop for an aperitivo at Wine Bar d'Andrea, where I enjoy a charcuterie board, taralli, and a wine tasting.
There are lots of wonderful places to stop in Civita di Bagnoregio
I'm never bored when I visit Civita di Bagnoregio.
In my opinion, the best place to start is at the Church of San Donato, which is home to gorgeous religious artifacts like a wooden crucifix, Etruscan sarcophagi, and relics of saints.
However, one of my favorite places to visit is Giardino del Poeta, a garden filled with roses, tulips, and ornamental plants. The panoramic view of the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking.
Within the garden, there's also a cute little spot to buy organic foods like jams, which I always pick up before heading home.
I always make time to browse the local shops
Before leaving Civita di Bagnoregio, I always like grabbing a few souvenirs as a reminder of my time in the village.
I enjoy stopping by Acqua di Civita, a small store set in the main square that sells cosmetics, fragrances, soaps, and candles. I particularly like the donkey milk soap and snail mucin lip balm.
There's also a little shop that sells lovely ceramic plates and vases, each adorned with painted religious scenes or Etruscan symbols.
Overall, visiting Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect way to escape the crowds in Rome
Although I enjoy walking through Rome's busiest areas, I feel most rejuvenated when hiking through Civita di Bagnoregio.
Even though the village welcomes many visitors during the high season, there's always a profound silence that inevitably comforts me.
From the delicious restaurants and local shops to the stunning views from above, I'd definitely recommend a trip to Civita di Bagnoregio to anyone that's in the area.