What to do in Orvieto in one day?

Today we go to Orvieto, a beautiful city in the region of Umbria, which has about 20,000 inhabitants and appears in all its splendor on top of a tough cliff. With this brief description, we can already understand the incredible panoramas this city has in store for us, right?! So, shall we go sightseeing? Come with me! Let’s go to our post of the day? What to do in Orvieto in one day? Stay with us and make the most of boot country! Here at the Travelling to Italy we make the trip of your dreams come true!! Also get to know our Section Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your Vacation!

Beautiful video of Orvieto by Drone!

(Source: Pas. Drone)

A little about Orvieto

Orvieto is a charming town in the province of Terni, in the Umbria region, which delights its visitors. In a beautiful location with an extension of approximately 180 km², The city is one of the most visited by tourists and manages to surprise even the most demanding tourist. Orvieto is one of the oldest cities on the Italian peninsula and has Etruscan origins, dating back to the ninth century BC. Evidence of the Etruscan people has been found within the Caves Tuphaeceous where the city is located. There are numerous attractions to visit in Orvieto and the ideal time there would be at least two days, but if you have little time, we have gathered in a brief itinerary the main attractions of this incredible city. Let’s get to know Umbria, the lungs of Italy!

1) What to do in Orvieto in one day? VISIT THE DUOMO

It is practically impossible not to start our tour at the most famous and beautiful point of the city, which is, without a doubt, its splendid Duomo. It is impossible not to start our tour of the Orvieto Cathedral. A beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, the building is rich in works of art and houses, inside, the fantastic Sacred Body. Its construction began in 1290, and passed through the hands of Lorenzo Maitani, who is responsible for the incredible façade with its exceptional bas-reliefs; The elegant façade of the Duomo of Orvieto is 40 meters wide and 52 meters high. It is adorned with mosaics and a rose window by Andrea Orcagna.Get to know the City Tours with a private driver departing from Rome here! Inclusive Tour from Rome to Orvieto!

Inside the Cathedral, the beauty is also impressive:

Its interior is decorated with important works, including the famous frescoes by Luca Signorelli. We cannot fail to mention the frescoes in the New Chapel, which were painted between 1499 and 1504 by Luca Signorelli. There he depicted Paradise and Hell with scenes featuring prophets, angels, and saints. It’s awesome!

Other attractions near the Cathedral

Near the Cathedral you will also find a beautiful chapel, which is on the opposite side of the church. There you can see the Cape Reliquary, which is a famous gold masterpiece made in 1337-1338 by Ugolino di Vieri. At the back of the Cathedral, you will find the Palaces of the Popes: they are austere buildings from the thirteenth century dedicated to Urban IV, Martin IV and Boniface VIII.

2) What to do in Orvieto in one day? VISIT THE UNDERGROUND CITY

The Orvieto Underground City showcases the resourcefulness of its inhabitants with tunnels, wells, and caves. The 16th-century Well of San Patrizio, commissioned during the 1527 attack on Rome, was crafted by Antonio da Sangallo and Giovanni Battista da Cortona, reaching 62 meters in depth and 13.5 meters in diameter. With two spiral staircases, each boasting 248 steps and illuminated by 72 windows, it creates a magical ambiance. The broader underground city, along with the gardens within the 14th-century Albornoz Fortress, provides a unique tourist experience.

Orvieto features the Albornoz Fortress, a 14th-century marvel now housing public gardens. Despite limited evidence of its original structure, the fortress charms with a tower, remnants of a perimeter structure, and Porta Rocca, enhancing the historic allure of this captivating destination.

Good to know…

• In one day it is possible to make a quick tour of the streets of the city, but if you want to save time and do not want to visit the underground city, below we will give you other tour suggestions.

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3) What to do in Orvieto in one day? VISIT THE MEDIEVAL QUARTER AS WELL AS THE POZZO DELLA CAVA

If you prefer, after leaving the Duomo, you can explore the city a little more. A place full of charm to visit is the Medieval Quarter. Known as the “della Cava” neighborhood, it is a labyrinth of alleys and small streets that intertwine in the heart of the historic center of the city. Well maintained, the houses around here seem to have the power to transport us to other eras and, from here, you can reach two important churches in the city:  San Giovanni and San Juvenal. Via della Cava, which was once one of the main accesses to the city, you reach Porta Maggiore and the old Etruscan city wall. What catches our attention the most about this beautiful neighborhood is its architecture! On this path, you will also find the Pozzo della Cava which is almost 40 meters deep and which is another incredible attraction of Orvieto.

4) What to do in Orvieto in one day? VISIT THE HILL TOWER

Another interesting place is the Moro Tower. The tower is located in the city’s heart and is one of the most famous panoramic spots in Orvieto. From the top, at a height of 50 meters, it offers tourists a series of steps to reach its top and, after fatigue, it presents and rewards: an impressive view!

5) What to do in Orvieto in one day? VISIT PIAZZA DEL POPOLO

Also be sure to visit Piazza Del Popolo. This is the most important square in Orvieto and it’s where ‘everything happens’! It is also the oldest in the city, dating back to the thirteenth century. Here you can visit the homonymous palace, which is beautiful, and another important building: the Bracci – Testasecca palace. It is also in this square that you can see the beautiful Church of San Rocco, which is worth a visit, even if it is a quick one. If you can, visit the Palazzo Simoncelli, and the splendid ceramics museum of Orvieto.

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How to get to Orvieto?

1) How to get to Orvieto? BY TRAIN

One of the best options to visit Orvieto is to use the train. Orvieto is easily accessible by train and has a well-located station. Leaving Rome or Florence, you can reach Orvieto in approximately 1 hour and 2 hours respectively.

Did you know that Trenitalia is the leading Italian company dedicated to the management of rail transport? Read here “What is the difference of trains in Italy?“. Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “Is there a Baggage Allowance on Italian Trains?”

2) How to get to Orvieto? DRIVING

The best option is to use the famous A1 “Autostrada del Sole”; from there, you can exit directly at Orvieto and follow the signs to the city centre – which is about 5 km from the motorway. From Rome you reach Orvieto in an hour; from Florence, in 40 minutes; and from Terni and Perugia, in 50 minutes. Remember to park somewhere outside the historic center and watch out for the dreaded ZTLs, O.K.? Especially close to the historic center. Read also TRAVELING BY MOTORCYCLE IN UMBRIA!

Hint

• You can also use the E-45 highway (great option for those coming from Perugia-Assisi). Take the Orvieto-Todi exit and from here take state highway 71 which passes through Lake Corbara and is half an hour from Orvieto. If you come from other major cities in Umbria, such as Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, and Terni, Highway 45 is the best option. Through this road, you can make a stop at the amazing Belvedere of Orvieto.

Are you going to travel around Italy by car?

If you are renting a car, be sure to read our posts in the section Driving in Italy on the blog Travelling to Italy. In addition to car itinerary tips, we have everything about signs, tolls, roads, and many more.

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Conclusion

What to do in Orvieto in one day?  Visiting Orvieto is an extraordinary experience. Orvieto is a city that attracts not only for its beauty but also for its history and its impeccable architecture. If you’re in Umbria, make a stop there. If you are in doubt about whether or not to include this divine city in your itinerary, I hope this post has cleared all your doubts!

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