Valle dei Calanchi: A Geomorphological Wonder

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Discover the otherworldly beauty of Valle dei Calanchi: a landscape sculpted by erosion, offering stunning views and a glimpse into geological history.

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Valle dei Calanchi

The Valle dei Calanchi, located in the province of Viterbo, Italy, is a stunning landscape sculpted by millennia of erosion. This natural preserve features deep ravines and gullies formed in the area's clay-rich soil, creating a unique, almost lunar appearance. The valley offers breathtaking views and a chance to witness the power of natural processes.

A brief summary to Valle dei Calanchi

Unnamed Road, 01022, Bagnoregio, Province of Viterbo, IT

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, especially if you plan to hike in the valley.
Visit during the late afternoon or early evening to witness the sunset over the calanchi, when the light enhances the landscape's dramatic features.
Bring a camera to capture the unique geological formations and panoramic views of Civita di Bagnoregio.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the trails can become slippery and dangerous after rain.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid the larger crowds that gather on weekends.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Museo Geologico e delle Frane

Museo Geologico e delle Frane: Unveiling Civita's Fragile Beauty

MUVIS - Wine Museum and Sciences food and agriculture

MUVIS - Wine Museum and Agri-food Sciences

Antiquarium

The Antiquarium: A Glimpse into the Past in Baschi

Getting There

Car

From Rome, take the A1 motorway north and exit at Orvieto. Follow signs towards Bagnoregio. Once in Bagnoregio, park in the designated parking areas near the entrance to Civita di Bagnoregio. Parking costs approximately €1 per hour. From the parking lot, walk towards Civita. Note that Civita di Bagnoregio is only accessible via a pedestrian bridge, about a 10-minute walk from the parking area. There is an entrance fee of €5 to cross the bridge.
Public Transport

From Rome, take a train to Orvieto or Viterbo. From either train station, take a COTRAL bus to Bagnoregio. Bus tickets can be purchased on the COTRAL app or, for a higher price of €7, on the bus. From Bagnoregio's Piazzale Battaglini, a shuttle bus is available to take you closer to Civita di Bagnoregio for €0.70-€2 depending on the season. Alternatively, you can walk from Bagnoregio to Civita in about 15-20 minutes. Finally, there is an entrance fee of €5 to cross the bridge.

Discover more about Valle dei Calanchi

The Valle dei Calanchi presents a dramatic landscape of eroded clay hills, situated between Orvieto and Viterbo in Italy. The valley's unique geological formations, known as 'calanchi' or badlands, are the result of intense rainfall and the easily erodible clay soil. This continuous erosion has sculpted the terrain into a series of deep ravines, sharp ridges, and undulating clay towers, creating a visually striking and constantly evolving environment. The clay formations in the Valle dei Calanchi date back to the Pliocene era, approximately two million years ago. The combination of clay layers and volcanic material from the Monti Volsini complex has contributed to the valley's dynamic and ever-changing nature. The lack of vegetation cover further exacerbates the erosive action, making the Valle dei Calanchi a prime example of badland topography. Civita di Bagnoregio, a historic hilltop village, sits dramatically within the Valle dei Calanchi. Known as 'the dying city' due to the ongoing erosion of the tuff spur it sits on, Civita is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge, adding to its unique charm and isolation. The village offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley, creating a stunning contrast between the man-made structures and the natural landscape. Visitors can explore the medieval architecture of Civita and learn about the area's geological history at the Museo Geologico delle Frane. The Valle dei Calanchi offers various outdoor activities, including hiking and nature photography. Several trails crisscross the valley, providing opportunities to observe the geological formations and local flora up close.