Harry Styles is one of the last inhabitants of Civita di Bagnoregio, 'The Dying City'
On July 22, 2023, Harry Styles concluded his 'Love On Tour' in Campovolo, Italy. Then, as he announced in fluent Italian during his performance, he took a well-deserved break. But where did the British superstar go?
As reported by Vanity Fair, Harry Styles was spotted a few days after his last concert near Lake Bolsena, in the central Italian Viterbo area. This is no coincidence, given that the well-known star has bought a house in a small village right nearby.
The place is called Civita, a fraction of Bagnoregio in the province of Viterbo. It's an enchanting village where Harry Styles has been seen walking together with his personal trainer Brad Gould.
In fact, Harry Styles is one of the last inhabitants of this ancient and picturesque village. Let's show you why the famous singer fell in love with this splendid place, and why it is considered a 'dying city.'
It was Alessandro Greco, Gucci's artistic director at the time, who made the well-known pop star discover the charm of this small town. Styles fell in love with it and decided to buy an Etruscan house in the heart of the small village.
Civita di Bagnoregio is a small oasis of peace located on the border between Lazio and Umbria, from which it is possible to enjoy truly unique panoramic views, such as that of the Valle dei Calanchi, visible right from the house that the singer bought.
Civita di Bagnoregio, also called 'the dying city' by the writer Bonaventura Tecchi who spent his youth there, was built over 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans. It is suspended on a steep hill.
But not only the Etruscans passed through there. The small village has witnessed the passage of many people. In the Middle Ages, it acquired the form it retains in part today. During the Renaissance, the town was further enriched by palaces and houses.
Unfortunately, over time, earthquakes and landslides have made a big impact, destroying many buildings and houses as well as the entrance gates of the ancient city.
The only gate still standing is Porta Santa Maria, also called 'della Cava' ('of the quarry'). It is the only access to the town after crossing the famous bridge that connects the village to the outside world.
Despite being almost completely abandoned, Civita di Bagnoregio has become a destination for many tourists and onlookers, fascinated by the beauty of this precious and very ancient village.
Apart from strolling through the cobbled streets, you can visit several monuments of Etruscan origin.
Among these is the cave of San Bonaventura, a tomb in which it is said that "San Francesco healed little Giovanni Fidanza, who became a famous doctor of the Church," as written on the official website of the town.
Another must-see, if you are visiting the charming village, is the "Bucaione, a deep tunnel that crosses at the foot, with an outlet on the Valle dei Calanchi, the spur of clay and tuff on which the village rests," as described by the website.
Due to its position, the small village has gradually been abandoned over the years. At the moment, there are only about ten official residents.
Among these residents, for some time now, there is also one of the most famous pop stars in the world. It remains to be see whether the arrival of Harry Styles relaunches the village's status as a place to live, besides being one of the most beautiful monumental remains of Italy.