Valentina Bisti pays tribute to Bagnoregio in her latest book

Bagnoregio: Exemplifying the Finest of Italy in Rai Journalist Valentina Bisti's Latest Book

Civita di Bagnoregio: A Beacon of Excellence

Civita di Bagnoregio emerges as a symbol of the finest Italy in the latest book authored by Valentina Bisti, a distinguished Rai journalist and Uno Mattina host. The book embarks on a journey through the courage of a nation that adeptly narrates and safeguards extraordinary tales. Within its pages, the preface features the story of a "dying city" that, in recent years, transformed into an emblem of tourism development and a beacon of Italy's success on the global stage, all due to the vision and constructive efforts of a group of capable administrators.

Unveiling Hidden Narratives and Hidden Places

Bisti writes, "Current events lead me to discover individuals, cities, and towns... The absence of particular events compels me to uncover hidden stories, episodes yet to be unearthed. Or to explore places striving to be acknowledged, ingeniously working to present Italians and foreign tourists with lesser-known pages of our history and way of life."

Civita di Bagnoregio, often referred to as the "dying city," is a prime example. For years, it garnered attention due to its vulnerability, with landslides eroding pieces of its history. Linked to the valley only by a bridge, the town faced challenges. Then, an insightful mayor devised a plan: charge an entrance fee to preserve a threatened treasure. Bisti recounts, "Go, see how the few inhabitants and tourists reacted. Share their moods and reflections." The urgency of the story for the 8 PM Tg1 news prompts her immediate departure. With a microphone in hand, she collects opposing and favorable opinions about this extreme measure born to save a cluster of abandoned houses.

Mayor Francesco Bigiotti accomplished that feat; today, Civita di Bagnoregio draws millions of tourists. The village suspended among the clouds has rekindled its ancient charm. Houses are alive, reborn, adorned by native Civitonians or new residents who've relocated or arrive for weekends. The city destined for demise thrives more vibrantly than ever.

"We are delighted and grateful to the prominent Rai journalist for her words that contribute to spreading our image," shares Francesco Bigiotti, the sole administrator of Casa Civita. "Each journalist who writes about us, every blogger who shares a photo of our region, offers us a precious gift that translates into fresh enthusiasm and incoming tourists—crucial for our economic fabric."