I often advise my travel planning clients to break the journey between Rome and Florence (or Tuscany) with a stop in Orvieto Italy. I used this advice on my own trip to Italy and I really fell in love with Orvieto. So if you are wondering Orvieto is worth visitingMy answer is … yes … and not only for a day trip!
This advice is particularly true if you appreciate the small towns that are not invaded by tourists (at least once the masters of the day leave for the day.) My goal on this trip was to avoid crazy cities like Rome, Siena and Florence, and to focus on the small villages and the cities of Hill like Orvieto, Assii, Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano.
I found that Orvieto was charming, with enough to do so that it deserves one night. The city burst pleasantly, but not too crowded. In fact, in the evening, it was as if you were surrounded by locals, a rarity in many Tuscan cities.
Where is Orvieto?
Orvieto is in Umbria, a region of the center of Italy between Rome / Lazio and Tuscany. It is located about 90 minutes north of Rome, two hours south of Florence and 45 minutes from the “dying” precarious from Civita Di Bagnoregio.
The enclosed town is located at the top of a hill, located on volcanic stone. I think the Americans are so in love with Tuscany that they often neglect the beauty of umbria, but there are many Ombria cities that you should not miss.
Go to Orvieto
If you travel to Italy by train, Orvieto is located on the Rome-Florence-Milan line and is very accessible by train. Pro advice: When you travel to Italy by train, if you buy a ticket at the station, you must validate the ticket in a validation machine before boarding the train. If you are pre-buy a ticket for a specific date / hour with a assigned seat, you will not need to validate before boarding if you have the impression of your ticket.
You can also go to Orvieto by bus. The station, the bus station and the funicular are all located in Piazza Matteotti in Orvieto Scalo, which is located at the foot of the Rock Hill on which the historic city center is located.
If you drive to Orvieto, the city is located right next to the A1 motorway, which takes place between Rome and Florence. When you arrive in the city of Orvieto by car, you have two options. You can either park in many outside the city walls, then take the escalator or the elevator to the medieval city. Or, you can park on the other side of the city and take the funicular from the valley floor and walk about 10 minutes in the city center.
Where to stay in Orvieto
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If your visit to Orvieto will include a night stay, I would recommend the Casa Selita Bed & Breakfast Just outside the city walls.
Although it is outside the city walls, it offers the convenience of a parking space and easy access to the city. There is a path through their Grove olive which brings you to the city walls and the elevator in the city center with only five minutes walk.
The owners are delicious and the room is comfortable, clean and charming – not to mention very affordable. The rooms are distributed in the various property of the property.
They are small, especially the bathroom, but they offer a luxury that we do not always find in this region – air conditioning! In addition, they included a delicious breakfast on the farm on the patio. It was such a discovery and great value for what was provided.
Best things to do in Orvieto Italy
You can easily see the highlights of Orvieto in a single day, so a night stay is everything you need. However, if you just want to enjoy the city in the evening and make a day excursions during the day, enjoy a longer stay! Whatever the length of Orvieto Italy, here are the things you should not miss!
Orvieto cathedral
Orvieto Cathedral was my greatest surprise during our visit to Orvieto. I did not expect to see such a large cathedral, with so many striking similarities with the Duomo in Florence. The scratches outside and the ornate entrance. Everything that was missing was the big dome.
Entering inside, you are immediately impressed by the height of the ceiling and the rows of columns offering a support. Trying to get the right perspective for an image is certainly a challenge. The columns are bordered by black and white stripes. With the striped columns, the decorated ceiling and the stained glass ceiling, you will not know where to look first.
However, do not miss the chapel of San Brizio, featuring the paintings of Luca Signorelli of the day of judgment and life after death. It is a superb work of art and easy to neglect given its location forward and on the side.
Saint-Patrick’s good
In the 16th century, Orvieto served as a refuge for the Pope. To ensure access to water during a siege period, he built the Saint-Patrick well (originally well called the fortress.) This well has two spiral staircases built in a double propeller design. This reminds me of the well in Quinta Da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal.
Located in the fortress at the edge of the city, visitors can descend the well and mix in a medal, with a desire to return to Orvieto.
Orvieto Underground
Under the city of Orvieto, there is a labyrinth of tunnels, caves and caves that date back to the Etruscan era (a civilization that animates the Romans. Underground. Visits take approximately an hour and tickets can be purchased from Piazza Duomo, near the Tourism Office.
Wine tasting
Orvieto is known for its white wines, including Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes. The soil is rich in minerals, giving the wines a clean and clear finish with a good complexity. There are a lot of vineyards and cellars that you can visit outside the city. However, with a limited time, you may prefer to stop in one of the many Enotcas (wine bars) in town.
A lot, as Bottega Verawill offer flights of your choice. It is a great way to spend time sipping delicious orVieto wines and snacking a mixture of cheeses, porchetta and salamis, all stretching the truffles of the region.
Evening
The city is really at its best of the evening when day travelers left and it is the inhabitants and those who remain locally. Piazzas are full of life and restaurant tables line the sidewalks, but it is never too difficult to find a reservation.
For dinner, stop at Trattoria dell’Orso. Stop Montanucci bar For gelato or pastry after dinner.
If you are a buyer, you will not be disappointed with Orvieto. There are many stores offering fashionable clothing, leather items and crafts. In addition, there are a lot of stores that can provide you with local wines, cheeses and meats.
Some are touristy, but most are well organized and not the same brands you see everywhere. I found it particularly refreshing! For me, a destination can be ruined by omnipresent brands, especially American brands that you can find in any city.
I hope that you will organize a visit to Orvieto, whether it is a short stop on your road north or a longer stay.
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Tamara Gruber is the founder and publisher of We3Travel. Former director of marketing and travel advisor, Tamara is a award -winning and expert travel writer recognized in family trips. Tamara is a member of Satw, Natja, Ifwtwa and Adventure Travel Trade Association, and headquarters to the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimeTofly.com and the co-host of the Mavens Travel Podcast Podcast.
