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City and comune in Umbria, Italy
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Wandering at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Orvieto is a city in Umbria. Designed to be impregnable, it was founded by the Etruscans on the top of a steep hill made of tufa, a volcanic ash stone.
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Duomo di Orvieto
The wonderful Duomo of Orvieto is the main 'must-see' sight in this town. Constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries, the black and white striped building is in mixed Romanesque and Gothic styles. The setting, on the Orvieto hill and visible from miles away in the Umbrian countryside, doesn't hurt either. But, impressive as the cathedral is, the piece de resistance is inside, the frescoes of Luca Signorelli on the theme of the Last Judgment inside the Capella di San Brizio.
Tempio del Belvedere
Ruins of an Etruscan temple, dating back to the 5th century BC.
A stately 13th-century civic building, once the seat of the Captain of the People, a key figure in medieval communal government. With its crenellated façade and elegant loggia, it reflects Orvieto’s period of political independence and prosperity, and today hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Pozzo di San Patrizio
The St. Patrick’s Well is a remarkable 16th-century engineering feat commissioned by Pope Clement VII to secure a reliable water supply during times of siege. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, the well descends over 50 m via a unique double-helix staircase, allowing animals and people to travel down and up without crossing paths. Lit by a series of windows carved into the shaft, the descent is both atmospheric and practical.
Chiesa di Sant'Andrea
Built during the 12th century.
Chiesa di San Francesco
Built in 1266.
Chiesa di San Giovenale
Contains frescos and artefacts from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Museo archeologico nazionale di Orvieto
Museo Claudio Faina di Orvieto
Orvieto Underground reveals a hidden network of Etruscan-era tunnels, wells, and chambers carved beneath the city’s volcanic tuff foundations. These ancient spaces were later reused in medieval times and can be visited on guided tours.
Orvieto's sole chef inspired restaurant with a menu that changes daily but stresses the boar and truffles that the area is famous for. The chef, Lucio Sforza, does the rounds and the setting is quiet with most tables outside in the patio. Closed in winter.
Umbrian food. Typical great dishes, great wines at reasonable prices.
The owner is local and his name is Carlo, his wife silvna owns a shop in the town as well. Tiramisu is exceptionally delicious. Eat on the outside candle lit terrace surrounded by lush green vines for a more romantic experience
Traditional food in a fifteenth century building.
A nice place to have a glass of wine and traditional processed meats and cheeses from the Umbrian region. But what makes this place really interesting is the opportunity to visit the cellars cut into tufo rock and dating back to the 13th century. The walls (and bottles!) are covered by a white mold.
Local hangout, amicable bartenders, and wi-fi internet access.
Free Wi-fi access, nice little place to sit and get on the internet, very friendly staff, quick snacks and drinks. Open late, usually till midnight.
18 rooms in an ideal location.
In Umbria, just a few kilometers from Orvieto among the charming hills, Griffin's Resort is an exclusive, quaint hotel with a gourmet restaurant.
One of Orvieto's top hotels, in an ideal location for enjoying the town before the crowds arrive.
This is 250 m from Duomo.
18 km from Orvieto.
By bus
The bus station is at Piazza Cahen on the Eastern edge of the town. Public buses, taxis, or a quick walk will get you into the town itself.
By car
Orvieto is on the A1 autostrada that runs from Milan to Rome via Florence. After exiting the autostrada, a steep road winds its way up to the town.
A funicular railway runs from the railway station to Piazza Cahen and is an easy and spectacular way of getting into town. The town itself is small and walking the entire length of the town is easy.
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Perugia (PG) · International · PEG
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