Orvieto is one of the oldest cities in Italy and is located in the province of Terni, in the region of Umbria. You will be immediately impressedby the landscape and the tuff cliff on which this important centre rises, offering truly unique views.
Learn all the tips for visiting the main symbols and attractions of this Umbrian town!
What to see in Orvieto
Orvieto Cathedral
It is the symbol of the city and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy and in the world. It has different architectural styles and inside you can admire many decorative elements of great beauty, including the paintings and frescoes of the various chapels, the impressive organ, the great rose window and the bronze sculptures of the facade.
Palazzo del Popolo
This palace is located in the square of the same name Piazza del Popolo and it was built around the XIV century. It was the place of residence a very important figure in medieval times, Capitano del Popolo (literally Captain of People). The palace is unfortunately not open to tourists and visitors and since 1989 has been transformed into a conference centre.
The Etruscan Necropolis
The Etruscan necropolis of "Crocifisso del Tufo" (Tuff Crucifix) is one of the greatest remainings of the Etruscan civilisation in Orvieto. It is located right below the tuff cliff and takes you along a green path where several Etruscan tombs emerge. The name of the necropolis comes from the nearby cave church, just above the tombs, where there is a crucifix carved in the tuff. Entry ticket is about € 3.00.
Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well)
It is a true engineering masterpiece commissioned by Pope Clement VII in 1527. Over time, having lost its primary function, it has become an object of curiosity and attraction for visitors who can descend the 200 steps up to a depth of about 53 meters. Entry ticket is about € 5.00; pets are not allowed.
Tempio del Belvedere
This temple is located right at the entrance of the city of Orvieto close to St. Patrick's Well and just before the square Piazza Cahen. The layout, the access staircase and some parts of the foundation can still be seen.
Labirinto di Adriano
This labyrinth is composed of wells, tunnels and underground cavities discovered in the 70s by the owners of a historic pastry shop during some renovation works of the floor. Today the labyrinth is an archaeological site recognised as a private museum full of historical remainings from different past times. Visits are guided (with a duration of about 30 minutes, only by previous booking) and organised for groups of maximum 16 people each. They're also available in foreign languages; entry ticket is about € 5.00.
The Albornoz Fortress
It is accessible from Piazza Cahen and is now home to the main public gardens of the city. Of the original 1364 fortress with moat and drawbridges it still remains only a portion, with the tower in perfect conditions. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view over the valley of Orvieto, the green hills around the city and the valley of the river Paglia.
Pozzo della Cava
This is a fascinating Etruscan well located in Via della Cava, one of the most interesting and oldest areas of the city. The well, discovered in 1984 was entirely carved by hand out of the tuff. It has a depth of 36 meters and can be safely visited all year long. Entry ticket is about € 3.00; pets are not allowed.
Orvieto Underground
It's a real underground labyrinth created with hard work by man. It's divided into caves, tunnels, wells and cisterns. The visit is guided (45 minutes; up to 30 people per turn) and available in multiple languages, however some of them need to be booked in advance. The central office for reservations and meeting point is located in Piazza Duomo 23. Entry ticket is around € 6.00.
The Orvieto Museums
In Orvieto there is the Museum of Modern Art Emilio Greco, on the lower level of Soliano Palace; the Museum Opera del Duomo, next to the cathedral; the Museum of Medieval and Renaissance Majolica of Orvieto; the archaeological museums Civico and Faina; the National Archaeological Museum of Orvieto and Orvieto Vie, a modern museum with several rooms dedicated to Orvieto's history, architecture, food and wine, landscape and archaeology through the use of latest technology.
Travelling by cable car
By cable car you can reach the centre of Orvieto in just a few minutes, getting to Piazza Cahen where there is a tourist information office. Here buses leave and stop in the main squares and streets of the city.
The cable car runs every 10 minutes, it is open on weekdays from 07.15 to 20.30 and on public holidays and weekends it is open from 08.00 to 20.30.
The ticket price is about € 1,30 per person and is valid for 90 minutes, then you can use it for more trips and can also access local buses.
