Italy Travelogue (2) / Civita di Bagnoregio
September 4, 2024 (Wednesday)
Italy’s time, adjusted for daylight saving, is seven hours ahead of Korea. I briefly woke up at 3 a.m. but managed to go back to sleep, waking up refreshed.
The morning view from the lodging was stunning, with the sky painted in soft dawn hues. Just like the clear skies, I felt optimistic about the journey that lay ahead.
Descending from the second floor (first floor by Italian standards), I took a walk around Alba Hotel. The sides of the hotel were lined with lush trees, acting as natural walls.
At around 7 a.m., breakfast was served in the hotel restaurant.
The offerings—bread, milk, coffee, and juice—were simple but satisfying.
Alba Hotel Torre Maura
The hotel courtyard features a statue of the Virgin Mary. The serene surroundings made for a picturesque moment, so I captured it in a photo.
We departed by limousine bus for Civita di Bagnoregio, the first destination of the day. The countryside along the way reminded me of rural Korea.
We arrived at the Battaglini parking lot near Civita di Bagnoregio.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHRP4xxBzy7dCzLu9
Parcheggio Battaglini
Piazzale Battaglini, 01022 Bagnoregio VT, Italy
Our guide, Pyo Gi-u, provided a detailed explanation of today’s destination. With extensive historical knowledge, kindness, and excellent leadership, he truly was an exceptional guide.
Civita di Bagnoregio is a tranquil and picturesque village in central Italy, often described as if time has stood still. Located in the province of Viterbo, it sits atop a cliff, accessible only via a bridge.
Unfortunately, the soil and rock supporting the village are gradually eroding, and there are fears that it may disappear within a century. It’s a sobering thought.
Although a shuttle bus can take you closer to Civita, our group decided to walk, which allowed us to fully enjoy the scenery.
Directional signs leading to tourist attractions were placed throughout, making it easy to navigate.
The medieval brown-toned buildings were stunning and seemed like a step back in time.
We reached a viewpoint overlooking Civita. On the right, there was a building housing Caffè Belvedere, offering a great vantage point to enjoy views of Civita and its surroundings.
Caffè Belvedere Viewpoint
The village, resembling a fortress, is a popular location for film shoots and is said to have inspired the Japanese animation Castle in the Sky (Laputa).
A panoramic photo of Civita and its surroundings revealed a breathtaking landscape, with the mountains forming a serene horizon.
At the viewpoint, there was an informational sign placed by Caffè Belvedere.
The scenery alone was enough to lift my spirits.
You could also see villages perched on mountaintops nearby. During the Middle Ages, homes were built in elevated areas to monitor and fend off potential attacks more easily.
From the café, we descended and headed toward Civita.
At the bridge entrance stood a ticket office—crossing the bridge costs €5.
The sturdy bridge is the sole access point to the village, and it doesn’t budge even with many visitors crossing at once.
Inside Civita, there were souvenir shops and restaurants. The buildings were elegant and timeless.
Most structures date back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, particularly between the 12th and 14th centuries, and they are impressively well-preserved.
Some houses on the outskirts were covered in climbing plants, blending beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
Outdoor tables shaded by canopies, along with lavender blossoms in the café gardens, added charm to the village.
In one alley, a sign advertising a cave exhibit caught our attention, so we decided to explore it. Admission was €1.
Cave Museum
The entrance led to a man-made cave with cool, refreshing air. It felt like stepping into the medieval era.
The cave walls displayed old farming tools and iron implements.
A skylight provided natural lighting,
and we saw wooden olive presses that resembled large screws due to their threaded design.
In a pit covered with a wire mesh on the floor, many coins tossed in by travelers can be seen.
Another room housed an underground wine cellar and clay pots. The craftsmanship of these rock-carved spaces was astonishing.
Civita visit snapshot~~
After exploring Civita’s alleys,
we admired the greenery in pots placed atop stone walls.
The peaceful blend of nature and the village left a lasting impression that stayed with me throughout my travels in Italy.
It's a stunning view of a medieval village.
Crossing the bridge again, we returned to the Battaglini parking lot,
stopping briefly at an ice cream shop near the bridge.
I ordered Fanta and gelato, as Fanta is quite popular in Italy. Its refreshing citrus flavor and bubbly carbonation were a delightful treat.
We then boarded the limousine bus and headed to our lunch venue.
Il Ritrovo del Cacciatore Restaurant
Lunch was served outdoors in Orvieto at Il Ritrovo del Cacciatore. Dining in the breezy garden added to the experience.
While waiting for the meal, we ordered water, soda, and beer.
The table numbers engraved on stones were a nice touch, and the tilted water glasses, reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, added a playful charm.
The first dish served was tomato pasta. The noodles were perfectly chewy, and the rich, smooth tomato flavor was delicious.
Adding grated cheese and olive oil enhanced the savory taste, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar added a tangy kick.
The Italian draft beer was mildly carbonated, smooth, and refreshing, with a pleasant malt flavor.
The next dish was chicken, where the tender meat paired wonderfully with fresh vegetables. Italian cuisine matched my palate so well that every meal during the trip was a delight.
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