Orvieto sits on a volcanic cliff in Umbria, rising above the surrounding countryside in a way that makes its skyline easy to recognise. It is a town of golden stone, narrow streets and wide views, and it makes a rewarding stop for anyone travelling through central Italy.
The cathedral
The Gothic cathedral is the centrepiece of a visit. Its facade is among the most striking in Italy, with richly decorated surfaces that repay a slow look. Give it time, both for the exterior and for the interior, before wandering on through the old town.
Beneath the streets
Orvieto's Etruscan roots are part of its appeal. The tufa rock on which the town stands has been carved into tunnels and caves over the centuries, and some of these underground passages can be explored. Going below ground offers a very different view of the town from the one on the surface, and it suits visitors curious about how the place was built and lived in.
Around the town
- Wander the medieval streets, which remain largely intact and pleasant to walk without a plan.
- Take in the views from the cliff edge over the Umbrian countryside.
- Try the local Orvieto Classico wine, a regional white that pairs well with a meal in one of the town's restaurants.
Orvieto suits a relaxed day or a short stay. Its combination of a major Gothic church, underground Etruscan heritage and a well-preserved medieval centre gives visitors plenty to see at an unhurried pace, and the wine adds a pleasant reason to linger over lunch or dinner.
