Sightseeing in Orvieto - what to see. Complete travel guide

The first settlement on the site of modern Orvieto appeared during the antique period. At that time, this city was associated with another important settlement, Velzna. The two cities were important settlements in the Etruscan civilization. In the 3rd century BC, the Romans captured the territory of Orvieto. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the bishop’s residence, which previously had been in Bolsena, was transferred to Orvieto. Goths and Lombards controlled the city until the 10th century. After that, a self-governing commune was established in Orvieto.
The Pozzo di San Patrizio or the Well of Saint Patrick is often the first landmark in Orvieto that foreign tourists visit. This well was built in 1227. Pope Clement VII chose Orvieto as his residence city. It was decided to build the well to supply water to the nearby Albornoz Castle. Using a winding road, mules and donkeys went down to fill vessels with water. After that, the animals had to cross a small wooden bridge and start their ascension to the top. The well is approximately sixty-two meters deep and has a width of thirteen meters.

Do you want to see how the main shrine in Orvieto looks like? There is a gorgeous cathedral in the city. This is a fabulous example of the Romanesque-Gothic architecture that can compete with many churches in the most famous Italian cities. When standing near the majestic cathedral, it feels like a giant is staring at you from above. The church is situated on a small square, which adds to an atmosphere of mystery and attractiveness. The central façade of the building is the first place that tourists should pay their attention at. This is a unique combination of different forms of art and skillfully made frescoes.

A domestic train from Florence or Rome is the most comfortable way to reach Orvieto. The Italian city is one of the stops along the way. After that, tourists need to switch to the cable road that takes passengers to the city center from the square near the railway station. The ride lasts only two minutes. There are also buses that connect the square and the central district of Orvieto.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Orvieto and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Orvieto
♥ Castle 'Rocca Ripesena' Orvieto, 3.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castello delle Rocchette' , 15.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Todi Castle' Todi, 20 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castello di Montegiove' Orvieto, 22.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Palazzo Orsini' Sorano, 32.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Rocca Ripesena' Orvieto, 3.4 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Castello delle Rocchette' , 15.1 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Todi Castle' Todi, 20 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Castello di Montegiove' Orvieto, 22.3 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Palazzo Orsini' Sorano, 32.6 km from the center. On the map


National and city parks around Orvieto
♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale dei Monti Sibillini' , 82.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Regional Municipal Park 'La ENEA' , 121.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna' , 141 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale dei Monti Sibillini' , 82.2 km from the center. On the map


♥ Regional Municipal Park 'La ENEA' , 121.6 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna' , 141 km from the center. On the map


Sights around Orvieto from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Old Town of Pienza
From the series “16 Most Fascinating Objects of Unesco in Italy”
Check on the map:
Distance from Orvieto center - 53.1 km.
The town isn’t only famous for the historical buildings but also there has placed a unique natural and cultural landscape Val d’Orcia. The main speciality of this area is the wonderful hills of right bell-mound. In summer they are covered with high green grass and wildflowers. Nice hills attract a lot of artists for hundreds of years. The best way to explore the city is on foot. Walking will open you a lot of secrets that are covered by the car travellers. During the walk around the square, you will see that the old buildings look different from various sides. …
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Cascata delle Marmore
From the series “Most Fanciful Waterfalls of the Planet”
Check on the map:
Distance from Orvieto center - 52.8 km.
In the prehistoric era, the Velino river formed a vast, swampy area. According to local residents, it was the cause of the spread of serious diseases. The construction of the canal for water diversion began in 271 BC on the orders of Manius Curius Dentatus. Over time, the canal has become worthless. The artificial waterfall the contemporaries see today was built in the Middle Ages. As early as the 18th century, this picturesque area began to attract travellers. Next to the waterfall, the first small bridges and viewing platforms were built. …
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Search touristic sites on the map of Orvieto

