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Bridge of Civita di Bagnoregio: the only way into the dying city
Three hundred metres long, suspended above the valley of the “calanchi”, the bridge of Civita di Bagnoregio is today the only way of getting into the village. This reinforced concrete pedestrian walkway connects the modern world to a place that seems frozen in time, offering a truly unique perspective. It is the first encounter with Civita di Bagnoregio — powerful yet fragile, and deeply moving — and in every practical sense, it answers the question of how to reach this extraordinary place.
A history of collapses and reconstructions
But things were not always this way. A devastating earthquake in 1695 destroyed the narrow saddle of land that once linked the village to the nearby town of Bagnoregio. A first masonry bridge, built in 1923, partly collapsed into the valley, and was partly blown up by retreating German soldiers in 1944. The current structure — a feat of post-war engineering — was inaugurated in 1965, replacing a series of temporary wooden walkways.
The walk up to the village
Crossing the bridge on foot is an experience in itself. The journey begins from a panoramic viewpoint, descends gently, and then climbs steeply towards the Porta Santa Maria, the ancient gateway into the village. On windy days the air whips around you, while on certain misty mornings it feels as though you are walking suspended among the clouds. A small effort, amply rewarded when entering one of the most extraordinary villages in all of Italy.
An admission fee must be paid to enter the village. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office located where the bridge begins. The path is sloping, and comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
