Orvieto … an ancient city full of charm and history but also a lively center, full of events and with many splendid hotels and farmhouses to stay.
The origins of Orvieto date back to the Etruscan civilization: the first settlements were in the ninth century BC and they were located within the tuff caves created in the massif on which the city currently stands.
Of great archaeological historical interest is the Necropolis of the Crocefisso del Tufo dating back to the Etruscan period.
After having been annexed in the 3rd century BC to the territories of Rome, Orvieto remains under its domination until the decline of the Western Roman Empire.
He then became a free commune and, during the struggles between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, he was a staunch opponent of Barbarossa, remaining faithful to the Pope.
Strengthened by the consideration of the Papal States, Orvieto can thus prosper throughout the Middle Ages, reaching the apex of development in the 13th century with the establishment of the General Council of the 400 and the election of the Capitano del Popolo.
It was during this period that there was a fervent work of building palaces and sacred buildings, among which the famous Duomo stands out.
Dating back to 1263, with its splendid Gothic façade and the richness of decorations and internal chapels, it is undoubtedly the most important architectural testimony of the city. Furthermore, we remember the Palazzo dei Sette (1300), the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (XIIth century) where the meetings of the Popular Council were held, the churches of S. Andrea (XIIth century), S. Domenico (XIII Century), S. Giovenale (11th century), Palazzo Soliano (1262) which houses two museums: the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and the Museo d’Arte Moderna.
In the ancient city there is also the Pozzo di San Patrizio, built in 1527 to a design by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.
This incredible hydraulic work was carried out to guarantee the supply of water in case of siege or conflict.
Orvieto is suspended between heaven and earth, between the surface and what is hidden underground.
A reality to be discovered is the famous Orvieto Underground, the Underground City: labyrinths, passages, caves, cavities … a real parallel city excavated and shaped by the inhabitants over the centuries and absolutely not to be missed.
Then again, the elegant Teatro Mancinelli dating back to 1866 and reopened to the public in 1993 after a long restoration.
