Orvieto is a small and wonderful village in Umbria that, due to its special and unique position, has also been renamed'the high and strange city'. It is in fact located on a small rocky promontory, which makes it visible from miles away! Here, time seems to stand still.
Here are all our tips on what to see in Orvieto!
What to see in Orvieto
1 - Orvieto Cathedral and Chapel of San Brizio
One of Orvieto's main attractions is its marvellous Duomo, an excellent starting point for a tour of the city! Its construction began in 1290, but work continued until the mid-16th century and as many as 20 different artists worked on it! The façade is a true masterpiece: at the bottom you can admire numerous bas-reliefs telling stories from the Old and New Testament, while at the top you can admire the rose window, surrounded by numerous mosaics.
And if the exterior is spectacular, the interior is certainly no less so! Don't miss two of the most important chapels in Italy: the Chapel of the Corporal and the Chapel of San Brizio. The first is that of the Miracle of Bolsena, when blood came out of a host in 1263. Since then, the Corpus Domini is celebrated on 11 August. The second, the Chapel of San Brizio, is a true masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The theme is the Last Judgement and it is completely frescoed, a spectacle!
How to get there: Piazza del Duomo 26. Easily reached on foot from the Torre del Moro (290 m, 3 min) and Porta Romana (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: November to February Tue-Sat 9:30am to 5pm, March and October Mon-Sat 9:30am to 6pm, April to September Mon-Sat 9:30am to 7pm, Sun and holidays November to February 1pm to 4:30pm, March to October 1pm to 5:30pm
Ticket price: €5.00 for a single ticket Duomo + Opera del Duomo Museum + Palazzi Papali + Emilio Greco Museum
2 - St Patrick's Well
Photo by Fabio Poggi. A special attraction, certainly not recommended for those who do not feel comfortable in narrow places or when going underground. We are talking about St Patrick's Well, a true work of engineering, built to provide the city with water in any month of the year.
This work, built in 1527 by Giuliano da Sangallo the Younger at the behest of Pope Clement VII, is a good 62 m deep, entirely dug into the tuff, the cliff on which the city stands. It consists of double helicoidal staircases, one for descending, the other for ascending. You can descend to the end of the shaft and then ascend again. Bear in mind, however, that there are 258 steps to climb!
How to get there: Piazza Cahen 5B. Easily reached on foot from Piazza Duomo (1 km, 14 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 9am-5pm
Ticket price: full price €5.00, reduced €3.50
3 - Underground City
Photo by Asurnipal. The Pozzo di San Patrizio (St Patrick's Well) is not the only wonder underground. In Orvieto you can visit a real underground city! This 'second' city came into being thanks to the work of the inhabitants, who dug into the cliff for some 2,500 years, creating an underground, hidden place.
This underground city has only been brought to light in recent years, showing the world a complex of around 1,200 caves, wells, cisterns and tunnels. A truly unique place, full of legends and stories. Nowadays it is open to the public, obviously only through guided tours for safety reasons, organised thanks to the Orvieto Underground project. An experience definitely not to be missed!
How to get there: entrance at Piazza del Duomo 23. Easy walking distance from the Torre del Moro (290 m, 3 min) and Porta Romana (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 11:00, 12:15, 16:00 and 17:15. During the more touristy periods more organised shifts. Duration guided tour 45 min
Ticket price: full price €7.00, reduced €5.00
4 - Piazza del Popolo and Palazzo Del Capitano Del Popolo
Photo by Luca Aless. Piazza del Popolo is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Unfortunately during the week it is used as a car park during the day, but in the evening and on market days it is closed to traffic, regaining all its charm!
The square is dominated by the imposing Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, easily recognisable by its grand staircase. Built in the 14th century, this place represented the institutional figure of political life in the Middle Ages. Today it is an important conference centre. Unfortunately it is not open to the public for visits, but you can still admire its beauty from the outside.
Palazzo del Capitano del Popoplo located in Piazza del Popolo 1. Easy walking distance from Piazza Duomo (450 m, 5 min) and Pozzo di San Patrizio (950 m, 10 min) - Get directions
5 - Torre del Moro
Photo by Zyance. The Torre del Moro, located in the heart of the historic centre, is one of the symbols of Orvieto. It is named after the owner of the palace below the tower, Roberto di Sante or Gualtiero known as il Moro. In fact, there were numerous owners of this tower over the centuries and, for a long period, it was owned by the Papacy.
Today it has become a cultural centre and, above all, has a wonderful panoramic terrace from which to admire the whole city! To reach the top you will have to climb 250 steps, but the spectacle is assured!
How to get there: Corso Cavour 87. Easily reached on foot from Piazza Duomo (270 m, 3 min) and Piazza del Popolo (100 m, 1 min) - Get directions
Hours: November to February 10:30am-4:30pm, March, April, September and October 10am-7pm, May to August 10am-8pm
Ticket price: full price €3.80, reduced €3.00
6 - Albornoz Fortress
Photo by Nicholas Gemini. Orvieto, given its spectacular location, has always been a very protected city, where it was easy to spot enemies in time and protect oneself from attack. However, in 1359 work began to build an additional point of defence, the Albornoz Fortress.
Located a few steps away from St Patrick's Well, this immense fortress was destroyed several times during its construction. From here you can admire a unique view of the entire surrounding valley! Today it houses a public garden, always accessible to visitors, and is an ideal place for a break after a visit to the city or to watch the sunset!
Located at 301 Via Postierla. Easily accessible on foot from Piazza Duomo (800 m, 9 min) and St Patrick's Well (80 m, 1 min) - Get directions
7 - Opera del Duomo Museum
Photo by Sailko. There are also several interesting museums in the city. Definitely not to be missed is the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, a visit to which is included in the entrance ticket to Orvieto Cathedral. It also overlooks Piazza Duomo, a stone's throw from other important attractions.
The museum consists of several exhibition rooms. Not to be missed is the area inside the Palazzi Papali, located immediately behind the Duomo. Here, the main works are housed in the Stanza delle Meraviglie. Following the prepared itinerary, you can admire works such as the large Madonna Enthroned with Child by Coppo di Marcovaldo or the Madonna with Child and Angels and Madonna with Child and Saints Mary Magdalene, Dominic, Peter and Paul by Simone Martini.
How to get there: Piazza del Duomo 26. Easily reached on foot from the Torre del Moro (290 m, 3 min) and Porta Romana (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: November to February Tue-Sat 9:30am to 5pm, March and October Mon-Sat 9:30am to 6pm, April to September Mon-Sat 9:30am to 7pm, Sun and holidays November to February 1pm to 4:30pm, March to October 1pm to 5:30pm
Ticket price: single Cathedral + Opera del Duomo Museum + Papal Palaces + Emilio Greco Museum €5.00
8 - Orvieto National Archaeological Museum
Photo by Sailko. Next to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is Orvieto's National Archaeological Museum, ideal for learning more about the city's history. It is also housed inside one of the papal palaces behind the Duomo.
Inside, the collections house various finds unearthed in excavations in the Orvieto area. You can admire grave goods, various objects used in daily life in Etruscan times, bronzes and frescoes recovered from various tombs, classified and displayed in chronological order. A place not to be missed for those who love history and archaeology!
How to get there: Piazza del Duomo 26. Easily reached on foot from the Torre del Moro (290 m, 3 min) and the Porta Romana (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full price €4.00, concessions €2.00
9 - Emilio Greco Museum
Photo by Livioandronico2013. The Museo Emilio Greco is located in the Palazzo Soliano, the largest and most imposing of Orvieto's papal residences. Located to the right of the Duomo, this place was built at the behest of Pope Boniface VIII Caetani in the 13th century.
The Emilio Greco Museum occupies the ground floor of the palazzo and houses the works donated by the artist Emilio Greco, after whom the museum is named. The collection includes numerous bronze works created in the second half of the 20th century by Greco and marking the most significant stages of his career. Among them, the Wrestler, also exhibited in London during the 1948 Olympics, is not to be missed!
Directions: Piazza del Duomo 26. Easily reached on foot from the Torre del Moro (290 m, 3 min) and Porta Romana (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: single Duomo + Museo dell'Opera del Duomo + Palazzi Papali + Museo Emilio Greco €5,00
10 - Claudio Faina Etruscan Museum
Photo by Sailko. Opposite Orvieto Cathedral is the Museo Etrusco Claudio Faina, one of Italy's largest archaeological collections. Today it is housed inside Palazzo Faina, which was completely renovated between 1855 and 1856 by the Faina family, from whom it takes its name.
The museum occupies two floors, the piano nobile and the second floor, and was established in 1954, when Claudio Fauna donated the entire collection to the Municipality of Orvieto. In 1957 the Foundation for the Claudio Faina Museum was then established with the aim of protecting and promoting the collection, one of the most important in Italy. Here you can admire various objects, such as ceramics and coins, from the Etruscan period, all catalogued in chronological order!
How to get there: Piazza del Duomo 29. Easily reached on foot from the Torre del Moro (290 m, 3 min) and the Porta Romana (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: March to September 9:30am-6pm, October to February 10am-5pm, Tue always closed
Ticket price: full price €4.50, reduced €3.00
11 - Quarry Well
Photo by Sailko. As we have already seen, Orvieto is home to unique and fascinating underground sites, such as the Città Sotterranea or the Pozzo di San Patrizio. Right in the centre is also the Pozzo della Cava, a very special underground museum!
This museum exhibits numerous archaeological finds, such as tombs or furnaces, and also a well dug into the tuff of Etruscan origin. Not only that, it is a unique place: a nativity scene with life-size animated characters is organised here at Christmas time! A truly unique experience!
How to get there: via dellaCava 28. Easily reached on foot from Piazza Duomo (700 m, 9 min) and Piazza del Popolo (450 m, 6 min) - Get directions
Hours: generally Tue-Sun 9am-8pm. Special openings and variable hours on certain days, see official website
Ticket price: full price €4.00, reduced €2.50
12 - Etruscan Crocifisso del Tufo Necropolis
Photo by Paperoastro. Just outside the walls of the historic centre are the remains of the Etruscan Necropolis of the Crocifisso del Tufo. It is one of the most important testimonies of the Etruscan civilisation in this area and is now open for visits!
The name is due to the presence of a crucifix carved into the tuff, located in a rock church. Nearby, there is a long green path to follow, where you can pass by numerous Etruscan tombs located in a linear and orderly layout. Moreover, on these tombs you can even read the names of the Etruscan families buried inside them!
How to get there: Via Volsinia. Easy walking distance from Piazza del Popolo (1.5 km, 20 min) and Pozzo della Cava (1 km, 15 min) - Get directions
Hours: Wed and Fri 9am-7pm, Thu and Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 1pm-7pm, Mon-Thu and last Sun of the month closed
Ticket price: full price €3.00, reduced €2.00
What to see in Orvieto in a day: recommended itinerary
Start the morning in Piazza del Popolo, where you can have breakfast at the Palace Caffè, overlooking the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. From here, head to the Torre del Moro, from which you can admire the entire historic centre and surroundings from above, and then to the beautiful Piazza Duomo. Here, we recommend that you end the morning by taking part in a 45-minute tour of the Underground City(departure 11:00 or 12:15).
For lunch, stop for an excellent sandwich or a tagliere at theAntica Bottega al Duomo, and then head to St Patrick's Well, an attraction not to be missed! Once your visit is over, enjoy the view from the Albornoz Fortress. In mid-afternoon, head back towards the centre and take advantage of the last few hours to visit the Duomo and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, both accessible with a single ticket.
In the evening you will already be in the heart of the centre, where Orvieto's relaxed movida is concentrated. To end on a high note, we recommend dinner at Trattoria La Pergola, a stone's throw from the Duomo.
One-day itinerary at a glance
Breakfast at Palace Caffè(Get directions)
Piazza del Popolo and Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo
Torre del Moro - opening hours: November to February 10:30 am - 4:30 pm, March, April, September and October 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, May to August 10:00 am - 8:00 pm - ticket cost: full price €3.80 reduced €3.00
Città Sotterranea - opening hours: daily 11:00, 12:15, 16:00 and 17:15 - ticket price: full price €7.00 concessions €5.00
Lunch at Antica Bottega al Duomo(Get directions)
Pozzo di San Patrizio - opening hours: daily 9:00-17:00 - ticket cost: full price €5.00, concessions €3.50
Albornoz Fortress
Duomo and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo - opening times: November to February Tue-Sat 9:30am-5pm, March and October Mon-Sat 9:30am-6pm, April to September Mon-Sat 9:30am-7pm - ticket cost: single €5.00
Dinner at Trattoria La Pergola(Get directions)
Where to eat in Orvieto: the best restaurants
Antica Bottega al Duomo: restaurant just a stone's throw from the Duomo, traditional dishes at great prices, also chopping boards and sandwiches with local cold cuts
Average price per person: €15.00
Address and contacts: via Pedota, 2(Get directions) / tel: +39 0763341366Trattoria del Moro Aronne: trattoria specialising in Orvieto's traditional dishes, such as fava bean carbonara
Average price per person: €25.00
Address and contacts: via S. Leonardo, 7(Get directions) / tel: +39 0763342763TrattoriaLa Pergola: trattoria with a homely atmosphere, covered courtyard and Umbrian dishes
Average price per person: €25.00
Address and contacts: via taldetali, 1(Get directions) / tel: +39 0763343065
What to do in the evening: Orvieto's nightlife areas and best clubs
Orvieto is actually a very quiet and relaxed city, without a wild nightlife. Numerous events are held in the summer, as well as at Christmas time, but there are no discos to dance the night away. Instead, you will find numerous places to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with friends.
The best pubs, clubs and discos
Caffè Clandestino: bar open until late, ideal for aperitifs and excellent after-dinner drinks, accompanied by snacks / Address: Corso Cavour, 40(Get directions) / Facebook page
Vincaffé: wine bar open until late, in the heart of the city centre, with excellent wines and accompanying bruchette / Address: via taldetali, 1 (Getdirections) / Facebook page
Caffè Barrique: bar open until late with excellent cocktails, evenings and events / Address: Corso Cavour, 111 (Getdirections) / Facebook page
Plan your stay in Orvieto: info and useful tips
How to get there: From Perugia by car via SS3bis and SS448 (76 km, 1 h 15 min) or by regional train, changing at Terontola Cortona (2 h 30 min). From Rome by car via A1/E35 (122 km, 1 h 40 min) or by direct regional train (2 h)
Getting around: on foot. The historic centre is a ZTL, and the attractions are all close together and easily reached on foot.
Where to park: Duomo Orvieto Parking(get directions), Rupe Orvieto Parking(get directions) or Ex-Caserma Parking(get directions)
Where to stay: compare the best accommodation on Booking.com
What to see nearby: Bolsena and Lake Bolsena (20 km), Poggio Castle (27 km), Tiber River Park (30 km), Viterbo (45 km), Spoleto (80 km)
