Built on one of the most dramatic and striking sites in Europe, the city of Orvieto is situated at the top of a nearly vertical cliff face formed by a volcanic rock called Tufo. It was built to be completely impregnable by intruders, and as a result boasts many well-preserved buildings.
It is located in the Terni province of Umbria. Visitors can tour the ancient well preserved buildings within Orvieto to help envisage what life was like here throughout the centuries. A good place to start is the Papal Palace, which was used to host the pope.
Pope Adrian IV was the first to stay in this town for a significant length of time, but he wasn't the last. During the sack of Rome in 1527, Pope Clement VII used Orvieto as a refuge, due to its strategic position.
Read our fascinating articles about the Holy Father's other home in Vatican city in Rome where you can avail of a chance to visit the Pope in person!
Pope Adrian IV was the first to stay in this town for a significant length of time, but he wasn't the last. During the sack of Rome in 1527, Pope Clement VII used Orvieto as a refuge, due to its strategic position.
Read our fascinating articles about the Holy Father's other home in Vatican city in Rome where you can avail of a chance to visit the Pope in person!
In addition to the city that lies above the streets, Orvieto also has a network of tunnels and caves that lie within the cliffs below the surface. These were dug deep into the volcanic rock centuries ago, and are now open for visits through guided tours.
Architectural features include cellars, passageways, wells, galleries, and tunnels, with new areas still being discovered by archaeologists to this day.
It's thought that these secret passageways in the rock were used as an escape route for noble families during times of siege.
Architectural features include cellars, passageways, wells, galleries, and tunnels, with new areas still being discovered by archaeologists to this day.
It's thought that these secret passageways in the rock were used as an escape route for noble families during times of siege.
Other interesting historical sites to visit in Orvieto include the Albornoz fortress, the San Giovenale church, and the San Domenico. The San Giovenale church is the oldest church in the city, and it contains many fascinating 13th century frescoes to look at. There are also some fascinating Etruscan ruins contained within the city, thought to be over 2000 years old!
No trip to Orvieto would be complete without sampling its famous white wine, and the cuisine is also well known as part of the Slow Food movement.
With an interesting history, rich culinary traditions, and hidden secrets that are still in the process of being uncovered, Orvieto has much to offer its guests.
No trip to Orvieto would be complete without sampling its famous white wine, and the cuisine is also well known as part of the Slow Food movement.
With an interesting history, rich culinary traditions, and hidden secrets that are still in the process of being uncovered, Orvieto has much to offer its guests.
You can stay in your choice of holiday rentals within the city of Orvieto or out in the surrounding countryside, with all the latest amenities.
Why not contact our villas specialists via Skype, email, or phone, and we can help you browse our huge selection of villas to find the right accommodation for your needs.
This will help transform your Italian adventure to Orvieto into a holiday of a lifetime!
Photo Credit: Photos of Orvieto
Why not contact our villas specialists via Skype, email, or phone, and we can help you browse our huge selection of villas to find the right accommodation for your needs.
This will help transform your Italian adventure to Orvieto into a holiday of a lifetime!
Photo Credit: Photos of Orvieto