As someone who was born and raised in Rome, I know firsthand that there's nothing more enjoyable than the city's vibrant atmosphere and friendly community. But if you're looking for a lesser-known place where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy a more peaceful environment, you'll need to look beyond the typical tourist areas.

That's why I love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a charming village just an hour and a half north of Rome that overlooks the badlands. Strongly affected by earthquakes and erosion, the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio has been nicknamed "The Dying City" because of its fragile infrastructure. Today, it's home to only a handful of residents, but to me it feels more alive than ever.