Without a map
Orvieto is small enough that you can maneuver without a map but it has enough to offer to keep you occupied for a 3 or 4 day visit or longer if you want to take it slow and relax.
Visit the Duomo
Orvieto’s Duomo is stunning. Built in the 14th century its facade is nothing short of breath taking. The best time to view it is in the late afternoon when the sun hits the facade making it is so bright you can see it from miles away.
Once inside, make sure to visit the two small chapels on either side at the front. The chapel of the Corporal is not so flashy but has a great story. The blood soaked cloth is said to have been the result of the miracle of Saint Christina. On the opposite side is the Chapel of the Madonna di San Brizio, so ornate and so much to look at, in the summer months, time in this chapel is limited to 15 minutes.
Climb the tower
Climbing city towers when traveling is a great way to enjoy some exercice. The Torre del Moro is a wonderful spot to get a bird’s eye view of the town and the Umbrian hills beyond.
Take a tour of the underground
Until the 3rd century BC, Etruscans lived in Orvieto. They made their homes underground in the tufa rock. You can book a tour through Orvieto Underground and a guide will explain how Etruscans lived. Why they built their homes in the tufa and a lot more interesting information about these ancient people. Like the reason why they dug small square holes in the rock, they raised pigeons for food.
Walk the paths below
If you get tired of walking on cobblestone and want to hit a bit of a stride try walking the paths below the town. Orvieto is built high up on tufa stone and it’s possible to walk around the town on, mostly paved paths. If you’re lucky, the church in the rock will be open, otherwise you can take a peek at the ancient alter through the window. Also down below is the Etruscan necropolis which is worth a walk through if only for the photo ops.
Participate in passeggiata
Around 6:30pm every night the town’s people get dressed up to leisurely stroll the main streets and piazzas showing off their new babies and new clothes while catching up on the daily news and gossip. A great tradition that enforces community values on a daily basis. Feel comfortable to walk amongst the locals or sit back and observe.
Enjoy aperitivo
Aperitivo is much more than before dinner drinks. For around 6€ you can get a drink and snacks. Depending on the bar you choose this can mean anything from chips and/or peanuts to a full buffet of snacks. We found that we got the best bang for our euro at Cafe il Sant’Andrea in Piazza della Repubblica where the Aperol spritzes are delicious and a buffet is laid out around 6:30pm for anyone who orders a drink. Another great place for aperitivo is Blue Bar, a bit off the main walking areas, the snacks are plenty and the owner is quite friendly and welcoming.
Have you been to Orvieto? What were some of your favourite things to do?
Great article. What a wonderful and informative post. You captured nice pics in your travel trip. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Italy is just full of surprises … thanks for sharing this wonderful town and all it has to offer … might visit it someday soon!
A lot of great little towns in this little country. Hope you make it to Orvieto some day.
The best thing is walking the path below. I think this is something really interesting to do apart from visiting mandatory attractions!!
We were quite happy to walk the path, even when it started raining.
I have stayed there in a wonderful apartment that I rented through Airbnb. It is a town to relish and enjoy slowly, with great restaurants, shopping that is amazing and a cathedral that is one of the best in Italy. They are know for their pottery, and you will have a hard time to not bring something home. Few to no tourists, very friendly people and such history to explore. Highly recommend it
Sounds like you enjoyed it as much as we did. Although the first time we were there it wasn’t as busy. This time there were many tourists, not sure why as it was the same time of year. Even so, it was quite enjoyable.
This looks amazing! I have always wanted to visit, and these photos make me want to go even more badly! Thank you so much for sharing it.
Great Pictures you shared,you explore wonderful place,thank you for sharing your blog,i want to visit this place in my next future coming trip..
Italy has incredible places mainly in the historical aspects
Beautiful places
Great, that palce is looking so beautiful and it have so many good things to enjoy. It is full with natural things and so stunning photos you shared.
Incredible place. All around the city is filled with blessings. I’m filled with blessings whenever I roam around those churches.
Glad to find your blog,Orvieto is the adorable plaec to tourist,i love it so much,thanks to share,photos are Incredible,thanks to share such a beautiful place..
Climbing travel is the awesome fun in the Orvieto Italy. I have been there around two months and it is joy to visit this place.
Great, that palce is looking so beautiful and it have so many good things to enjoy. Design of buildings is so attractive and so stunning photos you shared.
Amazing place is looking so beautiful and it have so many good things to enjoy. It is full with natural things. Design of buildings is so attractive. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Thanks for Sharing Technical information and importance of Blog..
Great Pictures you shared, you explore the wonderful place, i want to visit this place in my next future coming trip..
thank you for sharing your blog. It is very interesting blog.
Very nice post .. and Thanks to share your knowledge and skill about blogging .. It would be a great help for new travel blog…Thanks
For some of us who’ll never make enough money to go on such leisure tours, blogs like this make us travel the world digitally. I am glad I’ve bookmarked goseewrite.com, I can always take excursions when I have time(not money).
Kudos!
I’m really glad you wrote this post. It shows how much influence one popular travel blogger can have and affect people’s decisions to travel. I always say that to really know what a country is like, you have to go yourself. I hope to go to Italy one day and like you, will know to just be aware of the scamming but not write the country off because of it. Great links to other solo female travelers as well! Cheers.
Very interesting article about this Orvieto. I haven’t heard about this italian town. But i put in on my travel list for the next year. I have seen etruscan necropolis in Cerveteri, Rome. Great part of Italy!
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