The tiny hill town of Cività di Bagnoregio has been on my list for more than three years. Today, a glorious clear and sunny day, we picked up a Car Share Fiat Panda from the piazza near us and headed north. I can let the pictures speak for themselves: Cività is almost too cute in a medieval-cute sort of way. Even sweeter, we saw mostly young couples wandering hand-in-hand (Ric thinks they were at the Vatican celebration of engagement yesterday) and young families out for a day together. We meandered the little lanes, admired the views, and tucked into some fine country cuisine.
Cività, founded by the Etruscans 2500 years ago, is called Il paese che muore (the town that is dying) because it has been eroding for centuries. It is said about 12 people live there in winter and 100 in summer. Cats seem to out-number residents at this time of year. Doors lead to nowhere and stairs to a cliff edge. Surrounded by badlands and battered by wind, tourism is keeping it alive.
Click on any photo below for a slide show.
It was exhausting to drive today! We both remarked that our train trips – no matter how long – invigorate us. The car trip had us both tense and tired. We had intended to make another stop, but were weary beyond belief. There are so many places one cannot go by train that we must climb in a car now and then, but it sets our minds at ease that we made the right decision to sell the cars and rely on feet and public transportation for most of our needs.
Girovaga 
Thank you ffor writing this
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Those views are just spectacular
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Thank you! Imagine what a professional photographer could do!
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Civita looks so fascinating. Just looking at it raises a million questions in my mind! And, the cats add a nice touch, inbred or not!
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It is a fascinating tiny place with remarkable history. The walk there is easier than it looks, and the church contains records back to the 7th century. You have to respect an ability to preserve culture like that. And the kitties all seemed very happy and at ease. Always makes my day to see happy cats!
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Oh, that town really does look too cute – especially the cats. Now I have to put it on my “list”!
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Sorry to add to your list, Gracia! We would love to hook up with you and Will again!
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Nice post, Laurel. Cività is stunning, and I have some of the best memories there of all of my 60+ trips to Italy.
Beautiful scenery, kind people, and pretty darn good good at Franco’s place on the square.
Glad you had the chance to visit that enchanting place.
Ciao!
Michael
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I am in awe that you have been here so many times. The only place I have been to so much by travel (not to live…) is Washington, D.C. I think Italy is a better place to visit. 🙂
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I know, kinda crazy — seems like I should just live there. 😉 Someday down the road I see spending about 50% of my time in bella Italia.
Cheers!
Michael
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