Civita di Bagnoregio, A Dreamlike Medieval Enclave Suspended in the Sky
Piazza San Donato, Civita, Bagnoregio, VT, Lazio, Italy
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Introduction
The ancient city of Civita di Bagnoregio is located in the province of Viterbo, about 120 kilometers north of Rome, and is the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's animation film "Castle in the Sky". This small city is less than 300 meters long and only 200 meters wide, resembling an island city suspended in the air, especially on foggy days, it has a mysterious feeling.
The ancient city was built during the Etruscan civilization period and was once a prosperous city on a trade route. However, due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, it became an isolated island in the 19th century. The ancient city is the birthplace of St. Thomas Aquinas, a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian, but his house has collapsed due to the cliff edge.
This ancient city is located on fragile volcanic tuff, overlooking the Tiber River Valley. Due to continuous erosion, the surrounding rocks continue to fall off. In order to protect this cultural heritage, it has been reinforced with steel bars since 2004, and in 2006, it was listed in the "100 Most Endangered Sites" list.
The houses in the ancient city are relatively well-preserved, which is related to its relatively isolated geographical conditions and successful avoidance of the interference of two world wars and urban modernization processes. To reach this fairyland-like place, you need to take a long walk first, passing over a one-kilometer-long elevated bridge to reach this Castle in the Sky. Due to the large seasonal fluctuation of the small city, there are about 100 residents in summer, while only about 10 people in winter. But standing on its edge, you can almost hear the sound of the world flowing through the Tiber River Valley. Address Piazza San Donato, Civita, Bagnoregio, VT, Lazio, Italy
Transportation Take a train from Rome to Orvieto and then transfer to a bus to Civita. Be sure to check the schedule when departing and arriving as bus services are limited. You can take the Cotral bus from Viterbo or walk across the pedestrian bridge.
"In a very peaceful small town."
