About this tour
Explore Civita di Bagnoregio, an isolated hilltop settlement carved by Etruscans 2,500 years ago. This three-hour walking tour follows a single footbridge across eroded badlands to reach the village, where a local guide unpicks centuries of history—from ancient trade routes to the birthplace of San Bonaventura. The dramatic setting and architectural layers make it one of Italy's most striking archaeological sites, soon to gain UNESCO recognition.
Highlights
- Walk the solitary footbridge across dramatic eroded gullies
- Etruscan foundations and medieval structures layered throughout
- Birthplace of 13th-century saint San Bonaventura
- Views across the Valle dei Calanchi badlands
- Expert local guide shares 3,000 years of settlement history
- Nearly abandoned village with working community still present
What to expect
You'll start from the base of the plateau and cross a narrow footbridge—the only access to Civita—to reach the village proper. The guide takes you through winding stone streets and past family homes, pointing out Etruscan walls built into later medieval structures. You'll learn how this settlement thrived as a strategic trading post, then gradually emptied as the surrounding earth eroded. The walk is steady rather than strenuous, with stops to absorb the scale of the landscape and the guide's detailed stories about religious significance and local life across millennia.
Good to know
Wear sturdy walking shoes; the footbridge and village streets are uneven. Bring water and sun protection. Prams and strollers work on the village itself but the footbridge crossing is narrow. Public transport reaches the base; private car transfers aren't included.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.