The Dying Village
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More of Deborah Downes's Photos
Submitted to Fabulous
Photo license: © All rights reserved
The Italian village of Civita di Bagnorgeio dates back to the Bronze Age, when a tiny community developed on a narrow strip of the Bagnoregio plateau jutting out within a valley of ever changing Piliocene hills. The little settlement was active during the Iron Age. During the Etruscan period the hamlet expanded over the rest of the plateau, where the present much larger town of Bagnoregio stands. Ghibellines attacked Civita in the 14th century, but the village was defended by the Monaldeschi della Cevara and then owned by this powerful family. Over centuries wind and rain ate away at the ridge connecting Civita with Bagnoregio, resulting in Civita turning into a dying village. It’s still known as “the dying village” though today it’s kept alive by tourism, thanks to the bridge built in 1965.
Very few people live in Civita. Many of the buildings there are beautifully renovated. Some include shops and restaurants and others are vacation homes rented out. No cars and trucks are allowed in the village. Visitors can only reach it on foot. This shot gives a better feel of just how steep the bridge is. At the steepest point the bridge joins winding stone steps. Within the impressive gate to the village there sits a long and smooth stone bench. My friend Julie and I gratefully sat there and listened to a violinist as he greeted and played for all who entered the town.
During the post processing on this image, I was attracted to effects that highlighted the dramatic look of this village and hinted at its rich history; also to layers suggesting an old postcard that never reached its destination.
59 responses
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Regenia Brabham gave props (7 Jun 2011):
It sounds like a magical place and you captured it beautifully. The sephia makes it feel like an image from the past.
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Donald Garrett gave props (7 Jun 2011):
Outstanding in every way, Deb!! (Out of curiosity, did the violinist have his case open for coins to be dropped?)
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Deborah Downes gave props (7 Jun 2011):
Thanks, you two. Don, the violinist did indeed have his case open for coins:)
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Christopher J Chalk gave props (7 Jun 2011):
"Wonderland", beautiful scene and great narrative Deb!
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Steve Baker gave props (7 Jun 2011):
Freakin' awesome shot, location, and treatment. You've outdid yourself here, Deborah.
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Judy and Wayne Wanamaker gave props (7 Jun 2011):
Very beautiful view! The processing is superb! A very unique perspective!
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Lynda Jeffers gave props (7 Jun 2011):
Stunning..love this!!
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (7 Jun 2011):
Spectacular!
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Leslie Hunziker gave props (7 Jun 2011):
What a stunning sight! and beautifully captured. love the old postcard feel. i'd love to get a peek inside this village.
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eithne mythen gave props (8 Jun 2011):
Oh WOW Deborah, what a great job you did on this, It looks Magnificent and I so enjoyed the info you provided, you know this place is going top of my list :o) :o)
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Carol Arntsen Masiak gave props (8 Jun 2011):
fantastic
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Thomas Brauer gave props (8 Jun 2011):
Lovely scene, Deborah. Nice feel.
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John Linton gave props (9 Jun 2011):
Fabulous indeed.
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Litz Go gave props (9 Jun 2011):
fantastic composition, Deborah!
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Nicolette de Joncaire gave props (9 Jun 2011):
This is truly fabulous. Thank you for the story
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Winky Vivas (Deleted) said (13 Jun 2011):
A stunning image and a fabulous story! Absolutely outstanding work here...
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Bruce Miller (Deleted) gave props (14 Jun 2011):
Wow...amazing!
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Kim Bullock said (17 Jun 2011):
Love the muted handwriting on this.
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Tori Lindo gave props (17 Jun 2011):
Awesome!
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Dustin Hanoski gave props (28 Jun 2011):
Fabulous indeed - awesome image! Your narratives are excellent!
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Laurie Search gave props (29 Jun 2011):
This is incredible, my friend!!! :)))
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Katherine Nak gave props (1 Jul 2011):
Fabulous art! Thank you for your narrative.
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lowison said (1 Aug 2011):
I know very well this place, Deb, but this picture is pura poesia!
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Robert R. Gaines gave props (27 Aug 2011):
Beautiful and intriguing. I really appreciate the information too.
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MARCO MEYO gave props (6 Nov 2011):
STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!
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James Wiley gave props (5 Mar 2012):
Love that postcard effect. Great in 'Fabulous!'
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (28 Mar 2012):
BTV!
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Steve Baker gave props (29 Mar 2012):
Back to vote! Still superb.
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Susan Littlefield gave props (29 Mar 2012):
Wow! Fabulous indeed! The treatment is absolutely outstanding!! Voted.
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Ioana Caravan gave props (29 Mar 2012):
I will vote twice for this one! Fabulous!
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Winky Vivas (Deleted) said (30 Mar 2012):
Back to vote on this beauty!
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Adriana Carezzoli gave props (31 Mar 2012):
bellissima Civita di Bagnoregio, mitica città estrusca. Il mio voto.
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Andrea Petersen gave props (1 Apr 2012):
I love it....Beautifully created...and the narrative is equally wonderful! I don't know how I missed seeing this earlier...Voting!
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eithne mythen gave props (1 Apr 2012):
Back to vote for this spectacular picture, you did such a super job and the info is wonderful... love this one!!
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John Linton gave props (1 Apr 2012):
Oh YEAH! Rad!
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Leslie Hunziker gave props (1 Apr 2012):
back to vote!
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Kevin Kott gave props (2 Apr 2012):
My vote!!!
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JOE FAILK gave props (3 Apr 2012):
Voted!
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Saroj Swain gave props (3 Apr 2012):
amazing shot and composition Deborah................. Vote!!!
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Christopher J Chalk gave props (3 Apr 2012):
BTV Deb ☺
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Donna Mullins gave props (3 Apr 2012):
Neat processing and photo! voted!
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Carlo Pagan gave props (3 Apr 2012):
FANTASTIC SHOT!!!! My vote!!
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Laurie Search gave props (3 Apr 2012):
Back to vote, Deborah!!!
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Niharika Sanyal gave props (4 Apr 2012):
wonderful processing and feel... voted!
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Regenia Brabham said (5 Apr 2012):
BTV
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Pamela Haberman gave props (6 Apr 2012):
Oh my Deb. This is so very good.
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Judy and Wayne Wanamaker said (12 Apr 2012):
BTV!
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Michele Wambaugh gave props (12 Apr 2012):
Yes, voted for fabulous!
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Nadeem Shafi gave props (14 Apr 2012):
Indiana Jones would come here :)
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Davide Simone (Deleted) gave props (17 Apr 2012):
are no words in an image so beautiful voted
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Debbie Smartt gave props (17 Apr 2012):
Amazing!
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Julianna O'Brien said (27 Apr 2012):
Stunning!!
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Kathleen DesHotel gave props (28 Apr 2012):
My vote. Great story and photo. Thx for sharing.
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Lanis Rossi gave props (6 May 2012):
Yeah Rad! Voted!
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elfriede fulda gave props (14 May 2012):
Such a beautiful image, love the history, comp, textures, my vote !!!
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Kim Bullock gave props (16 May 2012):
Absolutely LOVE this shot!
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Litz Go gave props (20 May 2012):
back to vote!
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Ronnie Ginnever gave props (31 May 2012):
Love the treatment - voted!
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dp * gave props (3 Jun 2012):
RAD !
