The 13 essential things to do in Orvieto • Wanderlix

Are you going to conquer Umbria, the green heart of Italy? Don't miss a stop in Orvieto, famous for its slow food movement and cathedral!

Come on. Rome and Florence , erected on a huge rock, you will find one of the tombs of Umbria: Orvieto. Between its ochre stone houses, its small winding streets and paved squares, it can charm and retain travellers.

His flagship attraction is his cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Also at the rendezvous, palaces, a curious underground world and museums retracing the history of the region. Here is our list of the must-sees in Orvieto!

1. The Cathedral of Orvieto

The construction of this grandiose cathedral began in 1290 and had several phases, with a last touch given in 1890. In Gothic style, it reveals to travellers a triptych façade, richly decorated with colourful mosaics. Photograph the superb central rosace, the bas-reliefs that recount scenes of the Old and New Testament and the statues of the saints, before winning the interior.

Once you pass the central door, you discover an alternation of black and white marbles and the maestria of the choir. On the right side of the Crusader opens the chapel of San Brizio, which contains frescoes made by the Italian master Fra Angelico. Definitely an impossible to visit in Orvieto!

2. The well of Saint-Patrice

Built between 1527 and 1537 by Antonio da Sangallo the Young, at the request of Pope Clement VII, this well was designed to provide water to the city of Orvieto during the siege periods. Mesurant 53.15 metres deep , the building was erected so that the mules could carry water tanks full and empty without meeting.

A robbery 240 steps descend into the depths of the well. The 70 windows on the stairs make it possible to take full measure of the building. Another must to register emergency on your to do list Things to do in Orvieto!

3. The Underground World of Orvieto

Visit Orvieto and find some freshness, it is possible with this unusual visit of the city’s innards. It is literally another city that awaits you under the ground, dug into the tuf rock on which Orvieto has been standing for centuries. Something 1 200 caves, tanks, tunnels and other wells dig a fascinating lace.

♪ Etruscans were the first to give blows of stings to make the water accessible. The nobility and the aristocracy also made tunnels under their palaces to escape in case of siege. Book a tour with one of the guides Orvieto Underground to offer you an unforgettable experience!

4. Etruscan necropolises

Another thing to do in Orvieto, the visit of the Etruscan heritage, including two beautiful necropolises. The one from the crucifix Tuf stretches at the foot of the city walls, and some of its tombs can visit. Note the shape: those that resemble cylinders are women, those that form corks or onions are men's.

To the south, the necropolis Cannicella reveals several terraces dug into the rock. There was discovered a statue of Smiling Venus, in a remarkable state of conservation.

5. The temple of Belvedere

It is now time to visit Orvieto by taking height! We continue this discovery of the Etruscan splendour with the temple of Belvedere . Probably dating from the fifth century BC and used until the second century BC, it is now in ruin. To contemplate fragments of the temple, you will go to Museo Faina . The main issue of this site is the breathtaking view it offers on the city and its surroundings.

6. The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

In French, the "People's Captain's Palace", this imposing blonde stone building was created in the 14th century. The captain of the people has long occupied an important place in the lives of the Italians, playing the role of representation of the people. You can’t penetrate inside the monument to discover its three large rooms. However, the place on which it stands is still a must to do in Orvieto, because it welcomes the city market. Enjoy some local specialties and make shopping!

7. Museo Etrusco Claudio Faina

Orvieto remains strongly marked by its Etruscan past. The best way to realize this is to push the doors of the Claudio Faina Museum, dedicated to this civilization. Located in front of the cathedral, on the piazza del Duomo , it houses an important collection of Etruscan and Hellenistic objects. Difficult not to succumb under the charm of ancient vases, richly decorated pottery and other statues with raw rustiness...

8. La Torre del Moro

Another monument to be visited in Orvieto, the Torre del Moro, in the heart of the historic centre. You can visit it by taking a lift first, then a staircase for the second half of the course. The spectacular terrace stands about 50 meters above the ground. It reveals sumptuous views of the city and the surrounding hills.

9. The National Archaeological Museum

Orvieto continues to be visited with the National Archaeological Museum, located on the Duomo Square. He's nesting in Palazzo Papale , which dates from the end of the thirteenth century. This beautiful museum houses various collections from excavations on the archaeological sites of Umbria. Bronzes and ceramics content the history of the region, and you will discover reconstructions of Etruscan tombs.

10. The fortress Albornoz

Built in 1359, this imposing fortress had many battles. Several times restored, it is now one of the city’s public parks. An ideal spot to rest in the shade between two visits to Orvieto!

11. The Piazza della Repubblica

Now borrow Corso Cavour to find another place to visit Orvieto. This beautiful square is home to the city hotel (palazzo communale) and boasts many cafes, restaurants and shops. The opportunity to practice your Italian confessions! It also welcomes the oldest church in Orvieto, the chiesa Sant’Andrea , where you can admire Nebbia's paintings.

12. San Giovenale Church

Another very ancient church of Orvieto, San Giovenale was built in 1004, probably on the ruins of an Etruscan temple dedicated to Jupiter. Combining Romanesque and Gothic style, it contains medieval frescoes in a state of amazing conservation. Don’t miss the marble altar and the Lombard style bas-relief!

13. The Ariano labyrinth

The last thing to do in Orvieto: the Ariano labyrinth, another network of caves and tunnels typical of the city, with works of art and sculptures. It houses a restaurant that offers Italian cuisine based on fresh products and local wines.

To see and do also in Orvieto

• Taste a pigeon, local specialty;
• Savour a glass of Umbria wine: Orvieto is known for its fields that offer wines of choice;
• Participate in the Umbria jazz festival, which takes place in the nearby city of Perugia, every year in July.

How to go to Orvieto?

Several options are available to you to reach Orvieto, from France and Italy.

By plane

It is not possible to fly to Orvieto. The nearest airport is Rome Ciampino Airport. From the tarmac of the Italian capital, count 1h20 car rental to reach the city, 2h30 by bus and train . You will first reach the bus station Rome Tiburtina , before changing for a train.

Another option: from Florence Airport, by bus in 3h30 or from Perugia for the same time. To find a cheap flight ticket to Orvieto, use a flight comparison like that of Skyscanner .

By car

From France , you can easily join Orvieto by car, via the A89 , A6 and A43 towards Turin . Once the Fréjus tunnel passes, continue on the A43 , then the E70 and A1 .

Three parking lots You are waiting to park the car: the one behind the Orvieto train station, the underground car park and the Via Roma car park.

By train

From Perugia you will reach Orvieto by train 1h40 approximately for an inclusive cost 10 and 20 € with the company Trenita.

From Rome , count a dozen euros and an hour to reach Orvieto, always with Trenita.

From Florence , you'll have to between 2h and 2h30 to go to Orvieto by train, at a rate between 15€ and 30€ .

Where to stay in Orvieto?

Plethore of choice offers you to put your suitcases in Orvieto! From the entry-level room to the more luxurious hotel, to accommodation Airbnb , there are for all tastes. To fully enjoy your stay, think to book in advance and use a Compare hotels to find the best prices!