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Orvieto

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Orvieto is an impressive city in Umbria, spectacularly situated on a flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff overlooking the Paglia valley. The city features ancient Etruscan roots and was once a prominent center of their civilization, known as Velzna, as evidenced by nearby necropolises. Its most iconic landmark is the Orvieto Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture whose construction began in 1290. The cathedral's facade is exceptionally ornate, featuring golden mosaics, intricate sculptures, and a large rose window, while the interior houses Luca Signorelli's famous frescoes in the San Brizio Chapel. Another engineering marvel is the Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well), a 53-meter-deep well commissioned by Pope Clement VII in 1527, featuring dual spiral staircases that never intersect. Beneath the city lies 'Orvieto Underground,' a complex labyrinth of over 1,200 caves and tunnels carved into the soft rock over three millennia. The town is also famous for its white wine, Orvieto Classico, produced in the surrounding volcanic hills since antiquity. Today, Orvieto is a prominent member of the 'Cittaslow' movement, emphasizing quality of life and the preservation of local traditions.

Location: Italy
Top sights: Chiesa di San Ludovico · Teatro del Carmine · Chiesa di Sant'Andrea
Nearby: Amelia (30 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	9	13	17	22	25	25	20	16	11	7
Rain mm	63	67	68	53	58	35	28	29	73	79	110	87

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Orvieto is a medieval town whose historic center is freely accessible. You can visit the cathedral, the underground tunnels, and the well; many attractions require an entry fee.

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Typical hours

The cathedral is usually open from early morning until late afternoon, with a closure during lunchtime. The underground sites typically have fixed guided tour times that vary by season.

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Photography

Photography is allowed inside the cathedral, but without flash and restricted in some chapels. The view from the city walls over the surrounding countryside is a worthwhile subject.

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Time needed

Allow at least three to four hours to explore the cathedral, the underground tunnels, and the historic center. For wine tastings at local cellars, add extra time.

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Combine with

Combine Orvieto with a visit to nearby Lake Bolsena or Tuscan towns like Pitigliano. The Etruscan necropolises in the area are also worth a detour.

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Getting there

Orvieto is reachable by train from Rome or Florence, with the station at the foot of the tuff cliff. A funicular takes you up to the old town; car access to the historic center is limited.

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Insider tip

Taste the local Orvieto Classico wine at one of the traditional enotecas. Book the underground Orvieto guided tour in advance, especially during peak season.

Geography

Coordinates

42.71700, 12.10800

Facts

Construction of the Orvieto Cathedral began in 1290 and spanned nearly three centuries.
St. Patrick's Well is 53 meters deep and features 248 steps on each of its two staircases.
The underground network beneath Orvieto consists of over 1,200 man-made caves.
The cathedral's facade is decorated with mosaics that cover an area of nearly 3,000 square meters.
Orvieto Classico wine has been produced in the region since the Etruscan era (8th century BC).
The town's funicular, connecting the rail station to the center, first opened in 1888.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Orvieto<1 km · EExplore →

Mount Data Ali8 km · EExplore →

Civita di Bagnoregio10 km · SExplore →

Adailou13 km · WExplore →

Abourma Petroglyphs13 km · SExplore →

Gessila Peak21 km · SWExplore →

Goda Mountains22 km · WExplore →

Randa22 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Orvieto (10)

Chiesa di San Ludovico⛪ church

Church in Orvieto.

Teatro del Carmine

Theatre in Orvieto.

Chiesa di Sant'Andrea

Church building in Orvieto, Italy.

Palazzo Polidori

Palace in Orvieto.

Chostro di S. Giovanni

Cloister in Orvieto.

Palazzo Faustini

Palace in Orvieto.

Torre del Moro

Medieval tower in the center of Orvieto.

Pozzo della Cava

Historic well in Orvieto.

Chiesa di San Francesco⛪ church

Church in Orvieto, Umbria, Italy.

Museo Claudio Faina🏛 museum

Museum in Italy with an Etruscan collection.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark?

The Orvieto Cathedral with its magnificent Gothic facade.

What is St. Patrick's Well?

A 53-meter deep well with a unique double helix staircase.

Is there an underground city?

Yes, 'Orvieto Underground' gives guided tours through ancient caves and tunnels.

How to reach the upper town?

The easiest way is by funicular from the train station.

Which wine is local?

Orvieto Classico, a famous white wine of the region.

Orvieto: where is it located?

Orvieto is located in Italy.

Orvieto: what is there to see?

Highlights include Chiesa di San Ludovico, Teatro del Carmine, Chiesa di Sant'Andrea.

Orvieto: when is the best time to visit?