An intriguing destination full of history, there’s more to Orvieto than meets the eye. Delve underground, scale viewing towers and seek out theaters tucked away in old monasteries.
Marvel at the cathedral
Italy is renowned for its architectural masterpieces. and Orvieto Cathedral warrants a place among the finest. The gothic exterior of the Duomo di Orvieto is intricately designed, with lavish, painted panels and mosaic detail giving you a taste of the beauty that’s captured inside.
Dating back to 1290, the cathedral deserves a leisurely visit. Give yourself enough time to study the elaborate detailing of the carved facades and the extravagant frescos.
There are several other churches well worth a visit, too. See stunning archways in the Church of San Francesco and Romanesque stone murals in the Church of San Lorenzo de’Arai.
Experience the medieval quarter
This city may be small but its historical significance is arguably the greatest in the whole Umbria region. Enter the old town through the Porta Maggiore, the original doorway into the medieval city. Visit the oldest part of town near San Giovenale – originally built in 1004, it’s the oldest church in the city.
Across the hilltop, you can admire the remains of the excavated Temple of Belvedere near the Pozzo di San Patrizio – St Patrick’s Well. You can also see the fascinating remnants of the Etruscan rock, now taken over by nature.
Visit the Orvieto National Archaeological Museum to see an incredible collection of ancient artefacts. Painting a picture of historical life – from the 9th century through the Roman era and the Middle Ages – the exhibits include black pottery, wall paintings and excavated stone carvings.
Go underground
Beneath your feet, there’s a secretive side to Orvieto. Delve underground to the epic subterranean city, where 1,200 wells and grottos intertwine in a massive, sprawling network.
Embrace the chance to step back in time through the city’s fascinating Etruscan past, and walk through the Orvieto Caves, a labyrinth of tunnels and caves that stretch back almost 2,500 years.
Visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio well, following 200 steps down the spiral staircase to the bottom. Also known as St Patrick’s Well, this ingenious underground feature was constructed in the 16th century.
Over the years the caves and wells have continued to help and support the local community, providing protection as bomb shelters during World War II, as well as a cold place to store food and wine. You can take a tour of the museum to learn more about this amazing underground network, found next to the city’s grand cathedral.
Unearth the interesting history of this Italian city and discover more fascinating sights in the surrounding areas with Hertz car rental in Orvieto.