Italy a visit to Civita di Bagnoregio
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Italy: A Visit to Civita di Bagnoregio
Exploring the Enchanting Civita di Bagnoregio
Nestled between the Tevere River and Lake Bolsena in the lush countryside of Lazio, Italy, rises the picturesque hilltop town of Civita di Bagnoregio. Perched atop a clay hill, this charming village is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views.
Connected to the nearby town of Bagnoregio by a single bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio stands in splendid isolation, a consequence of continuous landslides and the gradual erosion of the clay base on which it rests. This precarious positioning preserves its untouched beauty, as if time itself has stood still.
A Glimpse into History
Civita di Bagnoregio’s history is intertwined with that of Bagnoregio. Legend has it that Desiderio, King of the Lombards, named the town Bagnoregium after experiencing the healing properties of its thermal baths. The name derives from “bagno” (bath) and “regio” (regal).
The town's urban planning reflects its Etruscan roots, featuring orthogonal alleyways typical of ancient Etruscan and Roman designs. The architectural style predominantly showcases medieval and Renaissance influences. Medieval sculptures, remnants of buildings lost to landslides, are incorporated into the arches and walls near the town’s entrance gate.
The Heart of Civita
At the center of Civita di Bagnoregio lies the beautiful San Donato Square, dominated by the Cathedral of San Donato. Originally built between the 7th and 8th centuries over a pagan temple, the cathedral underwent expansion in the 11th and 12th centuries. Although the original porch no longer stands, evidence of its past presence can be seen in the remnants of two columns. Inside, the cathedral boasts three naves, separated by medieval columns.
Beside the bell tower in San Donato Square, a passage leads to the medieval jail building. On the southern side of the square, visitors will find Via della Maestà, home to fragments of Longobard sculptures. This road once culminated in the Maestà Gate, which collapsed during a landslide in 1695, along with the Church of Santa Maria della Maestà.
From this point, a narrow path winds down to Civita’s water sources, particularly the Columns source and the "dell’Uncino" area. According to legend, these thermal springs inspired the name Bagnoregium.
A visit to Civita di Bagnoregio is a journey through time, offering a unique glimpse into Italy's rich history and enduring beauty.
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