Surviving more than 2,500 years of wind and erosion, the tightly knit Italian hilltop community of Civita di Bagnoregio struggles to ward off the “Grim Reaper” as it sits delicately atop a pinnacle of slowly crumbling volcanic tuff. It’s no wonder that Italian’s have dubbed this hilltop hideaway il paese che muore (the dying town).
Admired for its architecture, Civita is in constant danger of total collapse as its edges slowly erode and fall off, leaving the buildings built on the plateau to crumble. Scratching their heads, geologists have led the way in efforts to shore up the village with steel rods to prevent further decay.
For the full story on this fascinating locale, read The Palladian Traveler’s dispatch: Il Paese che Muore.
©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
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Great shots of Bagnoregio…mine aren’t as good as yours.
Thanks Debra.
Many hill top towns in Italy have the same problem. Have you been to Caserta Vecchia?
Awesome photo’s Tom. Really love your work. Thank you for sharing. Hope no one is staying in that building. I would be to afraid to even enter….
Coreen – Thanks for your comments. The buildings you see are either sheds or real residences. The wall to the left in the 3rd photo has lovely potted geraniums on the other side, which you cannot see.
A unique and great interpretation of the theme…cool but scary looking place…
Sue – It looks a bit foreboding from a distance when the skies are a bit overcast, but once up there it’s like many hill towns you’d find around the Lazio and Umbria regions of Italy — beautiful. Not scary at all. Thanks for stopping by.
Great images – and you do such a good job of combining just enough narrative with your pictures. I always look forward to each new post you do.
Pat – Thanks very much for your comments and compliments.
Such a fascinating village and how fortunate you were to be able to visit. I can see how the location protected them from the enemy.
Emily – Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes, Civita is quite the little hideaway way up there on that delicate peak. Those Etruscans from 2,500 years ago knew what they were doing.
Fabulous shots,Tom, and so perfect for the challenge. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia. Glad you enjoyed my take on “Delicate.”
Wonderful shots! Reminds me a bit of cinque terra but even more unique.
Thanks very much Tina!