Orvieto is one of the most spectacular hill towns in Italy — a volcanic tufa plateau rising almost vertically from the Umbrian plain whose crown jewel is the Duomo di Orvieto, one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Italy, with a glittering facade of gold mosaics, carved biblical scenes, and rose windows that the art historian John Ruskin described as “the most beautiful piece of coloured religious architecture in existence.” Below the city, a labyrinth of 1,200 Etruscan-era caves and tunnels honeycombs the volcanic rock — the Orvieto Underground — while above ground, Orvieto offers some of the finest white wine (Orvieto Classico) and most spectacular views in Umbria.

Quick Facts: Orvieto, Italy

• Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and autumn for the most pleasant temperatures; avoid July–August weekends when the town is busy with Italian day-trippers; December for the Umbrian Jazz Winter festival held in Orvieto’s medieval halls
• How to get there: ~1.5 hours from Rome by car (A1 motorway); ~1.5 hours by train from Rome Termini to Orvieto station + funicular up to the city
• Top attractions: The Duomo (signature piece: Luca Signorelli’s fresco cycle of the Last Judgement in the San Brizio Chapel — the work that inspired Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel), St. Patrick’s Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio — a 16th-century double-helix staircase well, 62 metres deep), and the Orvieto Underground cave tour
• Don’t miss: A glass of Orvieto Classico wine at one of the enotecas on the Corso Cavour watching the sunset over the Umbrian hills

City of Orvieto is located at west part of the central Italian region of Umbria. It lies on the volcanic rock. Orvieto was founded by the Etruscans, and it used to be a very important economic center. Today it is an important tourism center.

The oldest monument in Orvieto from the Etruscan period are remnants of the temple Tempio del Belvedere. Impressive is also the Etruscan Necropolis located under the Orvieto rock. The most representative medieval sight is Duomo from the late 13 century. From modern monuments there is a well Pozzo di San Patrizio.

In Orvieto local residents still maintain their traditions. Almost in every part of the year, there are held various cultural events and celebrations. Every year in mid-May, there is for example the Festa della Palombella – celebrations established by noble family already in the 15th century. There is also Palio dell’Oca – competition established by noble families. At the beginning of October you can attend celebrations Orvieto con gusto, where you can taste their typical products.

The famous products are olive oil and excellent wines, red, white or rose.

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Have you marvelled at Orvieto’s golden cathedral facade or tasted the local white wine? Share your Umbrian hill town experiences in the comments! 🍷

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