Story outline
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Welcome to Civita di Bagnoregio
Welcome to Civita di Bagnoregio, a dramatic hilltop village founded over 2,500 years ago on volcanic tuff. Perched above eroding ravines, it embodies Italy’s layered history and a devoted community’s efforts to preserve its unique landscape, architecture, and cultural legacy. -
Stop 1. Bridge to Another World
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Civita reveals itself as you cross its narrow bridge, the town’s lifeline to the outside world. The approach creates a powerful first impression, framing the settlement in isolation and underscoring its historical resilience as a self-contained community shaped by geography and tradition. -
Stop 2. Living on the Edge
The organic layout of the village follows the land’s contours. Buildings cluster tightly, and steep edges fall away into the valley, creating dramatic views and natural defenses. -
Stop 3. Piazza San Donato
Piazza San Donato forms the heart of Civita di Bagnoregio, a compact square that has hosted daily life for centuries. The piazza stages seasonal spectacles, from live nativity scenes at Christmas to the Palio della Tonna donkey races in June and September. -
Stop 4. Millions of Years in the Making
The dramatic landscape of Civita formed over millions of years. What began as a seabed was layered with volcanic deposits that consolidated into the stone beneath the town. Its elevated, defensible position that makes it attractive as a settlement also makes Civita vulnerable to continual erosion and collapse. -
Stop 5. On Its Own
Civita's isolation, once a cause of abandonment and the nickname “the Dying Town,” has become a source of resilience and charm.
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About the Project
Project ETERNAL is a global heritage initiative from Antigravity x Insta360, created in partnership with CyArk and international heritage institutions. Using 360° imaging and 3D Gaussian Splatting, the project aims to preserve the memories of these places through immersive digital experiences. Using Antigravity’s A1 drone, CyArk documented the iconic Italian heritage sites of Pompeii and Civita di Bagnoregio. 3D Gaussian Splatting was then used to create immersive 3D digital environments of these locations to safeguard their shared legacy. CyArk’s Tapestry platform was used to create interactive narrative experiences for each location, allowing anyone to explore this iconic heritage up close.
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Credits
This project was made possible through the generous support of Antigravity. Special thanks to the Mayor’s Office and the Comune di Civita di Bagnoregio for their partnership and support.