Explore the Enchanting Beauty of Orvieto, Italy
Orvieto is a city that captivated me from the first moment I saw it. Perched on a large butte of volcanic tuff, it rises dramatically above the green Umbrian countryside, surrounded by defensive walls and crowned by a magnificent cathedral. It is a city with a rich history, dating back to the Etruscan times, and a vibrant culture, hosting festivals and events throughout the year. I spent three days exploring its wonders and enjoying its charms, and I want to share with you some of the highlights of my trip.
The Duomo
The Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is the jewel of Orvieto. It is one of the most beautiful and impressive Gothic cathedrals in Italy, with a stunning facade decorated with mosaics, sculptures and reliefs. The interior is equally impressive, with frescoes by Luca Signorelli depicting scenes from the Last Judgment, a marble altar by Ippolito Scalza and a chapel dedicated to the Miracle of Bolsena, where a consecrated host allegedly bled on a linen cloth in 1263.
The Duomo is open every day from 9:30 am to 6 pm (5 pm in winter), and the entrance fee is 5 euros. You can also visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which displays artworks and relics from the cathedral, for an additional 3 euros.
The Pozzo di San Patrizio
The Pozzo di San Patrizio, or the Well of St. Patrick, is another marvel of Orvieto. It is a deep well that was commissioned by Pope Clement VII in 1527, when he sought refuge in Orvieto during the sack of Rome by the troops of Emperor Charles V. The well was designed to provide water to the city in case of a siege, and it was named after St. Patrick because it was said to be so deep that one could see purgatory at the bottom.
The well is 54 meters deep and 13 meters wide, and it has two spiral staircases that descend and ascend along the walls, creating a double helix structure. The staircases have 248 steps each, and they are illuminated by 72 windows that allow natural light to enter. The well is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm (5 pm in winter), and the entrance fee is 5 euros.
The Underground City
Orvieto has a hidden side that lies beneath its surface: an underground city that consists of a network of tunnels, caves and wells that were dug over centuries for various purposes. Some of them were used as cellars, storerooms, workshops and pigeon coops; others were used as escape routes, shelters and defensive structures. You can explore this fascinating underground world by joining a guided tour that departs from Piazza del Duomo every hour from 10 am to 5 pm (4 pm in winter). The tour lasts about an hour and costs 7 euros.
The Medieval Quarter
Orvieto has many charming streets and squares that invite you to wander and discover its medieval atmosphere. One of my favorite areas was the medieval quarter, which is located in the oldest part of the city, near the Torre del Moro (a tower that offers panoramic views of Orvieto and its surroundings). Here you can find narrow alleys, stone houses, arches and courtyards that evoke the past. You can also visit some interesting churches, such as San Giovenale (the oldest church in Orvieto), San Domenico (which houses the tomb of Cardinal de Braye by Arnolfo di Cambio) and Sant’Andrea (which has a Romanesque facade and a bell tower).
The Wine and Food
Orvieto is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. It is famous for its white wine, Orvieto Classico DOC, which is made from local grapes such as Grechetto and Trebbiano. You can taste this wine in many wineries and restaurants in Orvieto, or join a wine tour that will take you to some of the best producers in the area. You can also enjoy other local specialties, such as truffles, wild boar, cheese and olive oil. Some of the dishes I recommend are umbrichelli (a type of thick spaghetti) with truffle sauce, porchetta (roasted pork) sandwich and ciambelline al vino (wine cookies).
Sources: AirGuide Destinations airguide.info, msn.com, orvietoviva.com