Civita di Bagnoregio, often called "The Dying City" (La Città che Muore), is one of Italy's most spectacular and unique settlements. Perched dramatically on top of a crumbling volcanic tufa plateau, this ancient village is accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge that spans the lunar-like valley below.

Founded by Etruscans over 2,500 years ago, Civita's precarious position is the result of continuous erosion. The friable volcanic tufa rock on which it stands has been gradually wearing away over centuries, causing parts of the settlement to collapse into the valley below. This ongoing erosion earned the town its melancholic nickname and has reduced its permanent population to just a handful of residents.

The town's isolation has preserved its medieval character, with narrow winding streets, stone archways, and ancient buildings that seem frozen in time. Walking through Civita feels like stepping into a living museum where modern life has barely intruded.

Piazza San Donato forms the heart of the village, featuring the 12th-century church of the same name with elements dating back to the 7th century. Inside, visitors can admire Renaissance frescoes and a remarkable wooden crucifix.

Throughout the village, visitors will discover charming details: flower-adorned balconies, ancient doorways with intricate carvings, and small artisan workshops where local crafts are still practiced using traditional methods.

The surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with deep ravines, called "calanchi," creating an almost otherworldly scenery. These badlands were formed by centuries of erosion and provide a dramatic backdrop to the village perched above.

Despite its challenges, Civita has experienced a renaissance as a tourist destination, with visitors coming from around the world to experience its unique beauty and atmosphere. Small restaurants, cafes, and boutique accommodations have brought new life to this "dying city," ensuring its cultural heritage will be preserved for future generations.