This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

Orvieto is an amazing town located about 25 miles from Todi.

You can get there driving along the SS448 road, which has been recently awarded as one of the most beautiful Italian Panoramic Roads; lush countryside, woods, vineyards and olive groves! Halfway between Todi and Orvieto, you will pass along the Corbara Lake, an artificial lake created in the early 1960s.

Orvieto has its roots in the pre-Roman period; the Etruscans founded it around the 7^th century BC on the top of a volcanic rock, and named it Velzna.

This volcanic stone, called tuff, with its very noteworthy colour ( a mix of brown, red and orange) is the main feature of the town: the locals have been going on through the centuries using tuff as the main building material for churches, monuments and private houses.

The historical town is still thriving, with the splendid Piazza del Duomo at its heart.

CLASSIC TOUR ( about 2 hours and 30 minutes – 3 hours)*

• Meet the guide at Piazza Cahen parking lot (pay lot, at the edge of the old town )
• Enter the Municipal Gardens, created in the remains of the medieval Fortezza Albornoziana, built in the first half of the 14th century
• Close to the fortress you can admire one of the masterpieces of Italian architecture: the renowned Patrick’s Well**, commissioned by Pope Clemens VII in 1527. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, the well is about 207 feet deep.
• Take a 15-minute walk along the Corso Cavour, enjoying local workshops and lovely sights
• Admire the exterior of the Torre del Moro, an imposing 130-foot medieval tower
• A short stop in the Piazza del Popolo, featuring the Palazzo del Popolo, one of the oldest in town

Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta

• Last but not least, visit the breathtaking Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, considered among the most beautiful Italian churches ever***.After an introduction in front of the marvelous façade, you can admire the simple, but elegant interior, preserving both precious art works, such as the Cappella of San Brizio , painted by Luca Signorelli, and religious treasures, such as the relic of the Holy Corporal

• Optional: walk down to the San Giovenale church and homonymous district (another 20 minutes)

* The duration of the tour is indicative: depending on your schedule, we can tailor the tour to your needs

**Entrance is by payment and optional:  the well is worth a visit, but it takes about 15 minutes and there are almost 500 steps to be walked down and up. We recommend it only to people able to walk well and not suffering from asthma, claustrophobia, heart or knee problems

***Entrance fee €4 per person. You can have a free visit limited to Corporal Chapel, if desired.

OUR RATES: €130 for a classic tour up to 10 people

St. Patrick’s Well (interior)