Living Nativity of Civita di Bagnoregio

A living nativity suspended between sky and badlands

The Living Nativity of Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most evocative Christmas events in Lazio. Set in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, the famous 'dying town' perched on the Viterbo Tuscia badlands, the event transforms the stone streets of the ancient settlement into a grand open-air Bethlehem. The village is accessible only on foot via a long pedestrian bridge that crosses the Valle dei Calanchi, entering through Porta Santa Maria, the only gateway to Civita.

Over ten live scenes

The route winds through the houses and small squares of the village with at least ten live scenes, brought to life by actors in period costumes. Every corner tells a story: artisans at work in their shops, shepherds gathered around campfires, nobles in ancient residences, a carefully reconstructed, lively Middle Eastern souk, a Roman camp, a Bedouin tribe, and the procession of the Magi. The journey culminates, like a mosaic piecing together the days of Jesus' birth, in the Nativity scene.

A thirty-year tradition

Now a tradition spanning over three decades, the nativity is organized by the Italian Red Cross Committee of Bagnoregio and Lubriano, with the support of the Municipality of Bagnoregio and the collaboration of Casa Civita. The dedication of dozens of local volunteers and actors makes this performance a powerful symbol of identity for the community, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across Lazio and neighboring regions every year.

The village atmosphere at sunset

The performances take place in the late afternoon, when daylight gives way to the glow of fires and torches. In this setting, amidst tuff houses and medieval alleys, Civita takes on a unique, timeless charm. A dedicated transport service is available to facilitate access for people with disabilities.

In the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia

Located in the Municipality of Bagnoregio, in the province of Viterbo in northern Lazio, Civita is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Visiting the Living Nativity is also an opportunity to discover this extraordinary, geologically fragile village, suspended on a tuff spur eroded by time, and the striking landscapes of the surrounding badlands.