Orvieto, Italy – 10 Best Things to Do

Fabrizio
Country manager @ Trip.Expert
English
1 Day
Easy
Between Rome and Florence, reside an enchanting Umbrian hilltop city that is very easy to fall in love with. It was founded by the Etruscans on the top of a volcanic tufa hill and therefore provides a stunning view. Orvieto has also a magnificent historical center highlighted by an outstanding Duomo and is brimming with fascinating underground tunnels and caves. The city is very laidback, and not over-touristic or crowded although it is a popular day trip in Italy. It has a mesmerizing medieval charm, endearing narrow streets, lovely attractions that you can explore in a day, flavorsome cuisine, and world-famous wine.

Orvieto can be a perfect day trip from Rome or a short break on the way to Tuscany. This map-based travel guide to Orvieto surrounds all the major attractions in the city. It reveals the place's history and helps you to enjoy one of Italy's most delightful cities.
Collapse all

Trip Summary

Day 1
Well of St. Patrick, Orvieto
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo di Orvieto, Orvieto
Orvieto Underground, Orvieto
Duomo di Orvieto, Orvieto
Piazza del Duomo, Orvieto
Torre del Moro, Orvieto
Palazzo Del Capitano Del Popolo, Orvieto
Pozzo della Cava, Orvieto
San Giovenale, Orvieto
Necropoli etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo, Orvieto
Collapse all

1
Day 1



Well of St. Patrick, Orvieto


 
Piazza Cahen, 5B, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 343768
Web Site Google Maps Waze
Well of St. Patrick, or in Italian, Pozzo di S. Patrizio, is one of Orvieto's most precious historic treasures. The ancient cylindrical shape well was built during the 16th century, aiming to ensure the city will survive sieges or disasters, by men or by nature. The well was built upon the request of Pope Clement VII, who found shelter in Orvieto at the turbulent times of the Sack of Rome in 1527.
Video
Book now

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo di Orvieto, Orvieto


 
Piazza del Duomo, 26, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 342477
Web Site Google Maps Waze
During turbulent times, several popes found refuge at Orvieto and set Palazzo Soliano as their home. On the second floor of Palazzo Soliano, the Papal Palace, which is next to the stunning Orvieto Cathedral, you will find Museo dell'Opera del Duomo di Orvieto. This museum exhibit variety of documents, all dedicated to the Orvieto Cathedral erection and construction.
Video

Orvieto Underground, Orvieto


 
Piazza del Duomo, 23, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 340688
Web Site Google Maps Waze
Orvieto Underground is one of the city highlights, a network of medieval caves and tunnels, all made by men. The Orvieto Underground has more than 1,200 caves and tunnels, including a wonderful olive oil mill, and provides a fascinating experience like no other.
Video

Duomo di Orvieto, Orvieto


 
Piazza del Duomo, 26, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 341167
Web Site Google Maps Waze
Duomo di Orvieto or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is a remarkable cathedral and one of the most imposing religious structures in all of Italy. Built in a Gothic and Romanesque style, Orvieto Cathedral's construction start in 1290, but it took around 300 years to complete. It has a stunning façade with a beautiful mosaic, a wonderful Rose Window, four pilasters, an impressive decorative chapel, and a crypt with magnificent frescos.
Video
Book now

Piazza del Duomo, Orvieto


 
Piazza del Duomo, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
Google Maps Waze
Piazza del Duomo, the center of Orvieto, is a place of public gathering and, as the name suggests, is located next to the impressive Duomo di Orvieto. The piazza is also right near Palazzo Soliano and hosts the lovely ancient clock tower, Maurizio Tower (Torre di Maurizio).
Video
Book now

Torre del Moro, Orvieto


 
Corso Cavour, n° 87, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 344567
Web Site Google Maps Waze
Continue your tour through Via del Duomo until you arrive at one of Orvieto's famous landmarks, Torre del Moro. The 13th-century tower, which is close to the wonderful Palazzo dei Sette, has a charming terrace and provides an outstanding panoramic view of the city.
Video

Palazzo Del Capitano Del Popolo, Orvieto


 
Piazza del Popolo, 1, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 344617
Google Maps Waze
An entrancing 14th Century palace, and as the name suggest it was a palace of the people. An administrative place that hosts the Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the People), which was supposed to represent the people's interests. The palace was later used as a home to the mayor but afterward became a tourist attraction due to its medieval architectural design.
Video

Pozzo della Cava, Orvieto


 
Via della Cava, 28, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 342373
Web Site Google Maps Waze
Pozzo della Cava is a fantastic underground museum, under Orvieto's medieval district. In the caves, you can find archeological findings from the Etruscan, Middle Age,s and Renaissance eras.
Video
Book now

San Giovenale, Orvieto


 
Via Volsinia, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
Google Maps Waze
San Giovenale is a Romanesque Catholic church, that exists for more than a millennium. The Church of San Giovenale was originally erected in 1004 and is the most ancient church in the city. At the church, you will be able to see some frescos dated to the 12th - 13th centuries.
Video

Necropoli etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo, Orvieto


 
Via Volsinia, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
+39 0763 343611
Web Site Google Maps Waze
Surrounded by green grass and trees, Crocifisso del Tufo is an Etruscan necropolis. A burial site from the Etruscan times, with more than 200 tombs made of tuff.
Video

How to enter Orvieto historic center


There are two main ways to enter Orvieto's historic center. The first is, to park outside, in a nearby parking lot, and use an elevator. The second, which is much more fun, is to use the funicular and take a short walk into the historic center.

Wine


You can't visit Orvieto without trying the local white wine. World-famous for its delectable taste and quality, Orvieto wine is considered the best in Umbria.

Safety


Orvieto, in general, is a safe city. However, some caution is always helpful. Please be careful with your possessions and be aware of pickpockets, especially in tourist places. Also, like any other city, it is better to behave cautiously at night and not to walk alone.