What to see in Orvieto in one day
During a break in San Gemini you can easily reach most of the natural attractions of Umbria such as the Marmore Waterfall or the Lake of Piediluco, as well as important historical sites such as the towns of Carsulae and Otricoli, today archaeological parks, but also wonderful inhabited centers like Spoleto, Terni, Amelia and Orvieto.
This last town considered one of the oldest settlements in Italy because its foundation dates back to the 10th century BC, is nicknamed “high and strange” as it is perched on a tuff cliff. When you see it from a distance, it seems suspended between heaven and earth. In addition to this, Orvieto is a jewel town dotted with various art works and historical testimonies that worth a visit.
Discover, then, what to see in Orvieto:
The Dome
The first attraction to see in Orvieto is its Dome, considered a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art. Its construction began in 1290 and ended in the second half of the 1500s after 3 century of hard work. As soon as you arrive in front of this place of worship, the symbol of the city, you are amazed by its huge rose window and by the mosaics on a golden background depicting some scenes from the life of Saint Mary.
Inside the Cathedral, you can admire the Chapel of San Brizio characterized by a wonderful fresco of the Last Judgment with apocalyptic and redemption scenes. According to some historical sources, Michelangelo was inspired by these representations for the decoration of the Sistine Chapel.
- Useful information: the visiting hours of the Cathedral of Orvieto vary according to the seasons, from November to February it is open from 9.30 to 17.00, in the months of March and October from 9.30 to 18.00 and from April to September from 9.30 to 19.00. The ticket costs 4 euros but children up to 10 years enter for free.
The Well of Saint Patrick
During a break in Orvieto, a visit to the Well of Saint Patrick, a suggestive masterpiece of Renaissance engineering, is a must. This well built in 1527 to ensure the city the water supply in case of siege is 62 meters deep and is characterized by the presence of two helical staircases, one for the descent and another for the ascent. The creation of 72 windows, instead, allowed the natural lighting of the well.
- Useful information: the Well of Saint Patrick is located in Piazza Cahen, the ticket costs 5 euros but children up to 6 years of age enter for free.
The Underground City
Orvieto is a city that juts out into the sky but at the same time it is well rooted in the earth and a visit to its underground can give unforgettable emotions.
From the 1970s, a group of speleologists began an exploration of the area below the city, recording a dense network of cavities of different sizes built over the centuries to preserve wine, work tools and various kinds of artefacts. Some of these cavities were used until the 1950s and abandoned only when refrigerators became widespread.
The underground of Orvieto also hides other wonders such as Etruscan, Roman and Renaissance cisterns that allowed the collection of water in its different historical periods.
- Useful information: it is possible to access the Orvieto underground only by guided tours that are held at scheduled times starting from Piazza del Duomo. This visit is not recommended for who suffers from claustrophobia.
Palazzo Sette and the Torre del Muro
In a journey to discover the wonders of Orvieto, you cannot miss a stop at Palazzo Sette and its Torre del Moro. This palace of medieval origin, built in 1200 for one of the most important families of the town and subsequently owned by the government, is characterized by a tower high more than 47 meters. The Torre del Moro is oriented according to the four cardinal points, divides Orvieto into its four historical quarters and offers both day and night a breathtaking view of the city.
- Useful information: the Palazzo Sette and the Torre del Moro are located in Corso Cavour 87. The ticket costs 2.80 euros and children up to the age of 10 enter for free. Opening times vary according to the seasons and it is advisable to consult them before planning a visit.
The Albornoz Fortress
Another of the attractions to be seen in Orvieto is the Albornoz Fortress, built in 1359 and, over the centuries, the subject of constant battles aimed at gaining its control for its important strategic role. The current appearance of this fortress is the result of a restructuring carried out in 1800 to add external walls and a walkway to control the Paglia valley.
Today, the Albornoz Fortress is open to the public free of charge and is a perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours enjoying a wonderful view of the green hills surrounding Orvieto.
- Useful information: the Albornoz Fortress is located in Piazza Cahen near the Well of Saint Patrick
