Orvieto, perched dramatically on a tuff cliff in Umbria, Italy, offers visitors a journey through ancient Etruscan, Roman, and medieval history. The town presents itself as a haven for those seeking a tranquil escape, with its striking Duomo, extensive underground city, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The social atmosphere in Orvieto is generally relaxed and centers around the town's charming streets and local establishments. Visitors can enjoy an aperitivo, local wines, and traditional cuisine at various restaurants and wine bars, particularly along the main thoroughfare, Corso Camillo Benso di Cavour, and near Piazza del Duomo. These areas provide opportunities for people-watching and experiencing the local 'passeggiata,' or evening stroll.
Top 5 Things to do in Orvieto
Experiences in Orvieto primarily involve exploring ancient historical sites, uncovering underground marvels, ascending for panoramic vistas, and indulging in local culinary traditions.
1. Orvieto Duomo (Cathedral)
Step inside Orvieto's magnificent Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, where the intricate golden mosaics of its facade immediately captivate. Inside, explore the grandeur of its nave and the breathtaking frescoes depicting the Last Judgment by Luca Signorelli in the Chapel of San Brizio. It is advisable to dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered, as this is an active place of worship.
Cost: An adult ticket is €8.00, which includes access to the Duomo, the Emilio Greco Museum, and the Duomo's underground chambers, along with an audio guide. For an additional €3.00, a combined ticket can be purchased to also visit the 'Claudio Faina' Etruscan Museum. Children under 10 years old are admitted for free.
Transport: The Duomo is centrally located within Orvieto's historic center and is easily accessible by walking from any point in the town.
2. Orvieto Underground Tour
Descend beneath the modern city into a fascinating labyrinth of hand-dug tunnels, caves, and ancient chambers carved into the soft tuff rock. A guided tour unveils the extensive history of these subterranean spaces, revealing Etruscan origins, a medieval olive mill, and unique pigeon breeding rooms. Booking a tour slot in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure participation.
Cost: The official guided tour costs €8.00 per person. Reduced tickets are available for students, seniors, and groups at €6.00.
Transport: Tours typically commence from Piazza Duomo number 23, a central location in the historic town that is easily reached on foot.
3. St. Patrick's Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio)
Embark on an architectural adventure by descending into St. Patrick's Well, a 16th-century engineering marvel commissioned by Pope Clement VII. This deep well features a unique double-helix staircase, with one spiral for descent and another for ascent, preventing congestion. As visitors go down, 72 windows illuminate the path, leading 54 meters below ground. Prepare for a climb of 248 steps down and 248 steps back up.
Cost: An adult entry ticket is €5.00. Reduced rates of €3.50 are available for children aged 6-18, university students, adults over 65, and groups. Children under 6 years old are free. Tickets are purchased at the ticket office in Piazza Cahen.
Transport: The well is located near Piazza Cahen, which is the upper station for the Orvieto funicular. A funicular ticket from Orvieto Scalo (near the train station) to Piazza Cahen costs €1.30 one-way and is valid for 90 minutes, including a connecting shuttle bus service into the historic center. Taxis from the train station to the well typically cost between €9 and €11.
4. Torre del Moro (Moro Tower)
Ascend the Torre del Moro, a commanding 13th-century civic tower positioned at the city's heart. From its summit, revel in sweeping 360-degree panoramic views that stretch across Orvieto's terracotta rooftops, the iconic Duomo, and the verdant Umbrian countryside beyond. An elevator provides access for the initial portion of the climb, reducing the number of steps to tackle.
Cost: Admission for adults is €3.80. Reduced tickets are available for €3.00 for groups of 6-14 people, students, and seniors. Children up to 6 years old enter for free.
Transport: The Torre del Moro stands at the central intersection of Corso Cavour, Via del Duomo, and Via della Costituente, making it easily reachable by foot from anywhere in the historic center.
5. Local Wine Tasting Experience
Immerse yourself in Orvieto's esteemed wine culture by visiting a local winery, known particularly for its crisp white wines. Many establishments offer guided tours that lead through vineyards and into ancient cellars, some even carved into Etruscan caves. These tours typically conclude with a tasting of various wines, often thoughtfully paired with regional delicacies like artisanal cheeses and cured meats. This offers a true taste of Umbria.
Cost: The cost for a wine tasting and winery tour varies based on the specific experience and inclusions, generally ranging from €30.00 to €90.00 per person. Options may include basic tastings or more elaborate experiences with food pairings and cellar tours.
Transport: While some wineries are a short distance from the historic center (e.g., a 5-minute drive), many are located in the surrounding countryside. Transportation is often arranged through tours or by taxi, with some tours including pick-up and drop-off services. E-bike tours are also an enjoyable way to reach some wineries.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
