The dying city, a photo from Viterbo, Lazio

Photographer's Note

I took a lot of photos of this Lazio village and I will certainly show others, but let's start from this perspective that highlights the long way to get there.Civita di Bagnoregio is a town in the Province of Viterbo in central Italy, a suburb of the comune of Bagnoregio, 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) east from it. It is about 120 kilometres (75 mi) north of Rome. The only access is a footbridge from the nearby town, with a toll introduced in 2013.Due to the toll, communal taxes were abolished in Civita and nearby Bagnoregio.Civita is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, famously known as 奏he dying city�.Civita is situated in the valley of the badlands (Valle dei Calanchi), a region west of Lake Bolsena and east of the Tiber Valley, in the municipality of Bagnoregio. It consists of two main valleys: the Fossato del Rio Torbido and the Fossato del Rio Chiaro. Originally these places might have been easier to reach and were crossed by an ancient road which linked the Tiber Valley to Lake Bolsena.

The morphology of this region was caused by erosion and landslides. The territory is made up of two different formations of rocks, different in chronology and in constitution. The most ancient formation is that of clay; it comes from the sea and it forms the base layer which is particularly subject to erosion. The top layers are made up of tuff and lava material. The fast erosion is due to the streams, to atmospheric agents but also to deforestation.

Civita, which is inhabited by only 16 people, is situated in a solitary area and it is reachable only by a reinforced concrete pedestrian bridge built in 1995. The bridge is generally restricted to pedestrians, but to meet the requirements of residents and workers the Municipality of Bagnoregio issued a statement that these people may cross the bridge by bike or by motorcycle at certain times. The reason for its isolation is the progressive erosion of the hill and the nearby valley which create the badlands; this process is still ongoing and there is the danger that the village could disappear. This is why Civita is also known as 典he Dying Town�. More info on Wikipedia.

LA CITTA' CHE MUORE

Ho fatto moltissime foto di questo villaggio laziale e sicuramente ne mostrer� altre, ma iniziamo da questa prospettiva che evidenzia il lungo cammino per arrivarci. Civita � una frazione di 11 abitanti del comune di Bagnoregio, in provincia di Viterbo, nel Lazio, facente parte dei borghi pi� belli d'Italia, famosa per essere stata definita "La citt� che muore" dallo scrittore Bonaventura Tecchi, che vi trascorse la sua giovinezza.Abitata da sole sedici persone (al 2011) e situata in posizione isolata, Civita � raggiungibile solo attraverso un ponte pedonale in cemento armato costruito nel 1965. Il ponte pu� essere percorso soltanto a piedi ma il comune di Bagnoregio, venendo incontro alle esigenze di chi vive o lavora in questo luogo, ha emesso una circolare in cui dichiara che, in determinati orari, residenti e persone autorizzate possono attraversare il ponte a bordo di cicli e motocicli. La causa del suo isolamento � la progressiva erosione della collina e della vallata circostante, che ha dato vita alle tipiche forme dei calanchi e che continua ancora nel ventunesimo secolo, rischiando di far scomparire la frazione, per questo chiamata anche "la citt� che muore" o, pi� raramente, "il paese che muore".

pierrefonds, worldcitizen, COSTANTINO, ikeharel, Fis2, alvaraalto, jean113, jhm, cargus, PaulVDV, foxy, quovadis, mcmtanyel, ricardomattos, Royaldevon, adramad, burmaman, ChrisJ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

pierrefonds (114347) 2020-09-02 16:18

Bonsoir Luciano,

Le chemin envoie mon regard vers le village ce qui donne d ela profondeur � la composition. La prise d evue permet de voir les d騁ails de l'馮lise et des immeuble. La lumi鑽e donne de belles teintes aux couleurs de l'image. Bonne soir馥.

Pierre

worldcitizen (16048) 2020-09-02 16:22

Ciao Luciano,
Great POV showing us the way to this unique village. It's a long way to reach the top. It will be sad if there are no inhabitants one day. Very beautiful composition and view. Take care!

Silvio1953 (221463) 2020-09-02 21:47

Ciao Luciano, ci avrei giurato che mettevi questa, unica e godiamocela finch� esiste, che l'erosione la sta distruggendo, per� almeno ora � una citt� che muore piena di vita e di turisti, prospettiva classica ma sempre bella da vedere e efficace, bravo, ciao Silvio

COSTANTINO (116377) 2020-09-02 21:52

Hello dear Luciano and have a nice day
it s a pity .....reading your perfectly chosen
title I am feeling sad because in Greece too
there many villages abandoned...
young people prefer to live away..
in big cities only...
regards
Costantino

ikeharel (113241) 2020-09-02 22:26

Buongiorno Luciano,
The modern trail with iron railing leading the viewer up the hill to the ancient village built on top.
Chosen a wonderful perspective that enhanced the sense of depth to the scene, and employed well the mild light condition.
I suppose we will see pictures from inside this place soon.
Arrivederci,
Ike

jemaflor (147018) 2020-09-02 23:03

Salut Luciano,
Bel effet de perspective avec ce passage qui m鈩e � cet 駱eron rocheux, int駻essant rendu d'image, luminosit� et nettet� sont bien g駻馥s, merci de nous pr駸enter ce lieu.

ifege (47957) 2020-09-02 23:05

Hi Luciano
What an amazing access way to this dying village. I assume that at one stage there must have been some other sort of access. A great photo an interesting text.
cheers
Ian

pajaran (115779) 2020-09-02 23:45

Greeting.
Interesting and beautiful view, well shown with beautiful colors, contrast, perspective and good text.
Beautiful fence and old architecture on the cliff, well captured moment with visitors and clouds.
I wish you a nice day, all the best.
Paja.

holmertz (102604) 2020-09-03 0:15

Hello Luciano,
I never heard of this village. There is too much to see in Italy! ;-) It is truly spectacular, and this very deep foreground describes clearly its very unusual location. There might have been rain later on but I hope you were brave enough to go all the way, so we will see more photos. So far there was enough light for a very clear and crisp photo.
Best regards,
Gert

Fis2 (170639) 2020-09-03 0:41

Witaj Luciano!
A very interesting place, view makes impression.
The dying city is impressive.
Excellent framing, composition and colors.
Well done.
Good morning.
Krzysztof

alvaraalto (42804) 2020-09-03 1:47

Hello Luciano,
A good choice to take centrally in the composition this long path that leads to the village at the top of the mountain.
Striking is the modern access entrance road built on pillars that carry up.
Great photo with a well chosen POV.
Well done
Have a nice day, groet Rob

emka (158030) 2020-09-03 2:00

Ciao Luciano, Finally, you are visiting Italy, the most beautiful country in the world, and not only exotic places :). Great view of this dying town. Rather classic view, maybe a bit original with the long "bridge". Spectacular place. I was there too:
https://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Viterbo/Civita_di_Bagnoregio/photo1496448.htm

Excellent composition. Gascinating place.

Best regards MAlgo

Miguel82 (47110) 2020-09-03 3:57

Luciano, the long footbridge creates an excellent depth effect. That citadel is perched on a hill for defensive purpose in the past. It is difficult to attack it and its residents lived safely here. Fine colors, good sharpness, regards

jean113 (27819) 2020-09-03 4:24

Hello Luciano, why have we never heard of this place before? It must be quite unique.
You had to use the elevated pathway as your lead in line, we feel as if we are on our way with you.
The point of view is excellent as we can see some of the pillars that hold up the pedestrian bridge.
The village is an excellent focal point. You have whetted our appetite, now we want to see more of this village please.
Excellent notes.
Thanks for sharing, kind regards, Jean.

jhm (211736) 2020-09-03 5:46

Ciao Luciano,

You chose a very well angle.
Create a nice perspective and depth with the long stairway till high against the sky
Also excellent sharp and clear with nice colour
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

cargus (13954) 2020-09-03 7:14

Image int駻essante avec ce village ,de belles couleurs, bien encadr� et rendu, image bien fait.!!
cordialement
Adrian

jmdias (115046) 2020-09-03 8:41

luciano

I never had seen such village. it is amazing and we can imagine it was built up there to prevent attacks during medieval era. I confess I didn't like this modern bridge, despite it utility, in my mind it damaged the medieval mood of the area, maybe a discrete elevator would be more interesting.this bridge remind me the one in aparecida sanctuary in brazil, between the baroque church and the modern basilica.

take care

jorge

PaulVDV (62846) 2020-09-03 11:16

Hello Luciano,
I can well imagine that this is one of the most beautiful Italian villages.
Even the path to it already looks very special and certainly spectacular. Quite a steep climb!
Very attractive composition. Excellent depth, sharpness and clarity.
Best regards, Paul

Tue (92302) 2020-09-03 12:57

Hello Luciano,
The town looks amazing on top of the hill with its steep slopes. The long and modern walkway is well included in the foreground and adds a nice contrast with the old houses. Fine light too, which makes a good combination with the cloudy backdrop.
Lars

GyurMaster (24818) 2020-09-03 13:05

Hello Luciano,

Besides it's a well composed photograph, using the parapet of the bridge to lead our eyes towards the town, the note is very interesting. Its sad to see such a beautiful town disappearing slowly.

Best Wishes,
Gy.

foxy (3461) 2020-09-04 16:14

Hi Gollini,
The picture is telling...., 'Lean on me and I'll lead you the dying town which you be spellbound by the sights of isolation'....and you've definitely given me that with this 'one'.
Well, by looking at this bridge and the distances to the top...I would rather just admire the beautiful view of this shot. It's more than enough for me unless if I can hired a 2 wheel standing scooter to go up there:-)
I see that the surrounding of this place is heavenly gorgeous even the approaching dark clouds. I'm glad you show me this place before its disappeared ....
Nice weekend to you too.
Loong

quovadis (5711) 2020-09-04 21:33

Ciao Luciano.

What an interesting note!!! Grazie.

Never heard of this small village before, but your introduction made my thoughts closer to that tiny place. A very nice shot with the pedestrian connector to the old community on the rocky hill. I hope there are still people living in the village with the roots linked to the pioneer ancestors. TFS!!!

mcmtanyel (68383) 2020-09-06 20:26

Hello Luciano,
What a lovely walkway leading our eyes all the way to this ancient village. Let's hope they can find a solution to the erosion problem.
Regards,
MT

ricardomattos (17460) 2020-09-08 6:44

Ciao Luciano,

Bela imagem desta cidade no topo da colina. Excelente enquadramento, cores e nitidez. Uma nota muito interessante sobre esta pequena cidade de apenas 16 habitantes. Gostei muito desta perspectiva.

Parab駭s e abra輟

Ricardo

Royaldevon (85862) 2020-09-08 8:28

Ciao Caro Luciano,

This is a scene which is remarkable!
The settlement has been separated from their neighbours by effects of erosion! I wonder how safe they feel. It may be that after a storm, another small area of the surface, drops down the steep sides!

However, you have given us a fantastic photograph!
The footbridge creates a superb linear perspective and guides us skilfully to the apex of the building plateau.
The exposure is sharp and the colours very natural.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

carlo62 (81265) 2020-09-09 12:55

Ciao Luciano
� impressionante quando lo ci si trova davanti agli occhi, ricordo bene le sensazioni che ho avuto quando l'ho visto.
Il tuo � un punto di vista classico, ma anche l'unico che mette in evidenza la situazione effettiva del luogo.
Saluti
Carlo

mkamionka (74311) 2020-09-11 5:13

Ciao Luciano,
this is a very interesting town, I bet now when people actually expect it to collapse it will actually stay there forever.
It must be a strange feeling to walk though the town knowing that any minute it can collapse.
So your reportage may have a historic value someday exactly as the twin towers from New York photo which everybody shows today.
Great use of the handrails, they ass a nice geometry in the foreground well leading to the town.
M

adramad (72934) 2020-09-11 10:38

Hi Luciano.
Wow ..... What an impressive situation in this town, I wonder before the magnificent bridge, which gives a great perspective, how its inhabitants climbed to the town, the note is very interesting and it is very sad that in the future it can be crumble, in Spain there are many towns without any inhabitant and they call them the "empty Spain". It is a sad future.
Sharpness, lighting, color, and the magnificent composition; they are all perfectly realized factors, in this precious image.
Well done. I like very much.
You have a good day.
Very best regards.
Luis.

dekanski (9357) 2020-09-12 13:19

Hi Luciano,

Very interesting, I have not heard of Civita di Bagnoregio, it would be worth visiting. I can't wait for the next photos.
Honestly, although I believe it made the access easier, I don't like this bridge-path at all. It disrupted the centuries-old appearance and view of the village.

Have a nice Sunday!

Sa啾

PiotrF (54538) 2020-09-18 15:48

Hello Luciano,
Interesting view of Civita di Bagnoregio. Thank you for informative notes.
Wonderful picture with good POV and nice colours.
Good work, fine presentation.
Regards
Piotr

abmdsudi (95869) 2020-09-22 23:30

Hi Luciano
Building high up beautifully to be nearer to God! I love the view point and how the long path forces ones eye to follow the lines and up to the prominent. Excellent natural colour, clarity and dof. Congrats
Best regards

burmaman (1336) 2020-10-27 9:56

Hello luciano!
What a view!
I like your composition with this walkway leading to the village.Great depth and nice to see some people around.You found an excellent POV to present us this nice scene.
Regards,Ronny
Stay healthy

ChrisJ (171794) 2020-10-27 16:27

Bonsoir Luciano,

Missed this one. The long pedestrian catwalk and bridge adds superb lead in lines and linear perspective directing the eye towards the bg hilltop and walled city atop it. Tfs!