This hilltop town in Umbria sits atop volcanic rock, with a striking 14th-century cathedral, ancient underground tunnels, and Etruscan ruins. Local white wines and medieval streets add to its appeal.
Perched 300 feet above the Umbrian plains on volcanic cliffs, Orvieto captivates visitors with its Gothic cathedral's golden mosaics and biblical sculptures. You can descend into Etruscan caves carved beneath the streets, climb down the 496 steps of St. Patrick's Well, or sip Classico wines in centuries-old cellars. As evening falls, gas lamps illuminate the medieval streets, creating an atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors to outdoor cafes and wine bars.
How to Reach Upper Orvieto
A funicular railway connects the train station in lower Orvieto to the historic center. During the 2-minute journey up the cliff face, you'll see the rolling Umbrian countryside spread out below. At the upper station, you can walk 10 minutes to reach the town center, or take the local bus that stops near major landmarks.
The Cathedral
The cathedral's facade depicts biblical stories through mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass. In the Chapel of San Brizio, you'll find Luca Signorelli's frescoes of the Day of Judgment - works that Michelangelo studied before painting the Sistine Chapel. The architect created an optical illusion in the nave by making it wider at the back and narrower at the altar. Alabaster windows filter sunlight into soft beams throughout the interior.
The City Below Ground
A network of 1,200 tunnels and caves runs beneath Orvieto's streets. The Etruscans and medieval residents carved these spaces from volcanic rock, creating olive presses, storage rooms, and wells. You can join guided tours to explore these underground passages. Many local wine producers still age their wines in these caves, where consistent temperatures preserve the wine year-round.
St. Patrick's Well
This 16th-century well features two separate spiral staircases with 496 steps. The double helix design allowed people and donkeys carrying water jugs to move up and down without meeting. At 175 feet deep and 45 feet wide, the well secured water supply during sieges. Today, locals use "like building St. Patrick's Well" as an expression for difficult tasks.
Food and Wine
The volcanic soil produces the white Orvieto Classico wine, known for its distinctive taste. Local restaurants serve Umbrian specialties like truffle pasta and roasted pigeon (piccione). You can visit wineries outside town to see their Etruscan-era cellars and learn about local wine-making techniques.
