Religion at Civita di Bagnoregio

Cathedral of San Nicola dates back to 440. After a violent earthquake in 1695 which devastated Civita and the church of San Donato, the Holy See decided to transfer the Cathedral here and consecrated to both Saints Nicholas and Donato. This Cathedral is situated at the right spot of Bagnoregio for those walking to the footbridge and as the verse from Matthew 11:28 states “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest“.

An interesting point which does not just apply solely to Civita but around most of Italy. Most tourists will find portraits of the Holy Mother and baby Jesus. Some sheltered altars by the side of buildings while others just the portrait with smaller shelters from the harsh weather. So why is this so? During my first trip to Italy, my tour guide told me that in the ancient times, the crime-rates on the streets and corners of Italy used to be high. The residents decided to place altars outside the buildings to inform criminals that though they are not caught by authorities, God has witnessed their crimes and they will be dealt with after death.