‘It is one of the less visited towns of Italy’
JANE BLACK – I TALIAN VILLA VACATIONS Discover centuries-old architecture and an underground cave system in the Umbrian city of Orvieto
One of my favourite destinations is
Orvieto. Orvieto is a small city perched on a rock cliff in Umbria in Central Italy. The Duomo of Orvieto, dating from the 13th century, has a stunning mosaic facade that leaves me mesmerised every time I see it. It also houses evidence of the Eucharistic miracle of Corpus Christi, and a Renaissance chapel, which was completed by Luca Signorelli, and became an eradefining masterpiece. It is one of the less visited towns of Italy, which makes it even more appealing. The charm, history and culture of Umbria is fascinating, and the people are very friendly, warm and extremely hospitable. You can’t leave without longing to return.
The last time I was there
I was fascinated by the underground dig which demonstrates the long history of Orvieto by exploring the 1200 intersecting tunnels dug into the ground by ancient civilisations. The head of archaeology gave us an exclusive tour of the dig which we were very happy to receive. The underground cave network attests to the city’s pre-etruscan roots. From a distance, looking back you can see the city, high up built on this entire network. And I learnt a lot about the history of the Duomo, the 14th century cathedral that is Orvieto’s most important attraction.
If you go, make sure you
see and experience the Well of Saint Patrick. One of the deepest man-made walkable wells in the world. It was built in 1527 by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger of Florence on the orders of Pope Clement VII, who after the Sack of Rome in 1527, was taking refuge in Orvieto and wanted to ensure a year-round water supply.
The best place to eat lunch or dinner
is hands down Le Grotte Del Funaro. I always order the house-made wild boar, cold cuts appetiser, or the pasta with truffles as a main. Delicious!
The atmosphere of being in a cave adds to the entire experience.
Best time of year to go is
May, early June or September/october. Spring or autumn. The peak of summer is a bit too hot and crowded. Shoulder season is perfect.
A tour you should embark on is the seven-day Umbria Chapter. It is one of the best tours of central Italy and it includes a fascinating day in Orvieto. It is perfect for groups of friends or couples as you can enjoy a blissful seven-day experience, without having to think what next, which embraces Umbria and Tuscany’s top day trips, restaurants, historical sites, wineries and experiences with exclusive access. The villa we use as our base in Umbria (just 20 minutes from Orvieto) is the stunning Villa Bellissima just outside the village of Ficulle.
One of the most unique things about Orvieto is
the local white wine, Orvieto Classico. It is surprisingly good and has a long and storied history.
You should pack
good walking shoes, light clothes for summer months and cooler days, a hat and plenty of room in your case so you can shop a little bit too. Colourful pottery and leather goods are very popular.
The last time I was in
Orvieto I discovered climbing Torre Del Moro, an ancient tower. From the top the views of the Umbrian countryside and Orvieto are endless. Just beautiful. I highly recommend it.
Don’t walk past
the Pasqualetti Gelato Shop. There are two of them in town, one by the Duomo, the other by the tower, and they are among the best in Italy. The flavours change depending on the season but always involve local fruits, liquors and desserts. italianvillavacations.com.au