Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
The Perfect One Day Itinerary for Visiting Orvieto
This history-rich ancient Etruscan hilltop town in Umbria is an excellent addition to any Italian vacation. From the magnificent Duomo dating back to 1290, said to have influenced Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, to the countless underground caves and impressive wells, Visiting Orvieto is strikingly spectacular. It was one of the most important cities during Etruscan times, and it is known today as a beautiful, engaging, and multifaceted place to visit in Italy with some of the best wines.
There are two parts of Orvieto. The charming old town is perched atop the hill, and the newer modern part of town is surprisingly dull. The natural fortification also served as a place of refuge for the Pope in the 16th century. Most travelers start at the bottom, where the train station is. From the bottom, you can reach the top in just 10 minutes by walking through the picturesque town, or you can opt to take a drive, elevator, or escalator to the top. You have options.
How to get to Orvieto
This remarkable town is easily accessible from Florence and Rome. From Florence, it is a 2.5-hour train ride, and from Rome, just 1.5 hours. Taking the train makes a day trip totally doable without feeling rushed. You can also drive to Orvieto, which is always fun as you go through other towns and can go at your leisure, stopping at attractions along the way. Orvieto is small and entirely walkable once you’re at the top of the old town. You can easily walk from one side of the town to the other in around 45 minutes. This is why a day is plenty of time to see not just the top attractions but also the minor ones. If you decide to spend more than a day, I highly recommend visiting the wineries nearby. After all, the wine from this region is supposed to be some of the best in Italy.
Things to do
Pozzo di San Patrizio
Also known as St. Patrick’s Well is the Pozzo di San Patrizio. If you travel by train, this will be an easy first stop to marvel at as you explore Orvieto and find other hidden gems around the City. Impressing engineers to date is the most beautiful Water Well built at Pope Clemen VII’s request to ensure he had access to water in the event of the siege, in addition to being a great hiding place. This isn’t a typical Well, though. It is a wondrous 175 feet deep, 45 feet wide, and almost 500 steps down to the Well, with over 72 windows that let in light and add to this surreal atmosphere. There were even two spiral staircases and a bridge built for people to have accessed the water easily back in the day. Today you can not only admire the view down from the top, but you can actually climb to the bottom. It is quite the experience to look up this perfectly built well from 175 feet below. I totally recommend adding to your itinerary for the complete experience.
Cathedral of Orvieto aka Duomo
Every Italian town needs a Duomo, and Orvieto is no exception. In fact, the Cathedral, aka Duomo, has to be at the top of your itinerary when visiting Orvieto. It is known as one of the most beautiful Churches in Italy, and that says a lot! It is a short walk from St. Patrick’s Well to the Duomo, which takes about 15 mins. The Duomo is incredible, even from the outside. Its gothic and medieval architecture is something to spend time and marvel at before even stepping foot inside the Church itself.
Hang out in the Piazza del Duomo to properly admire the vast mosaics, stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and sculptures that adorn the facade. You’ll notice the point and pediments to add to the gothic vibe. The size and peculiarity of artwork inside and out make this Church incredibly unique. Inside the large Duomo is a small chapel called Cappella di San Brizio, infamous for its disturbing yet magnificent depictions of The Creation and The Last Judgment. From hell on the ceiling, complete with streams of blood, acts of violence, flying demons, and some of the creepiest artwork you will find in a Church. The frescos around the Duomo you will also come across are also magnificent. In particular, ones by Signorelli and The Reliquiario del Corporale. The marble Mary and Child sits beneath a bronze canopy behind the Duomo, where you find a complex of medieval-style palaces known as Palazzi Papali.
Fun Fact
Luca Signorelli’s ability to convey complete stories through human actions and gestures versus common symbols is what inspired young Michelangelo to meticulously study his work and inspire the Sistine Chapel at The Vatican that most people see when visiting Rome. So you definitely want to go inside even if you are over visiting yet another Church.
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The Caves of Orvieto
Unbeknownst to many, Orvieto has over 1200 underground man-made caves discovered due to a landslide in 1970! The caves were all used for significant daily activities dating back to the Etruscans. If visiting Orvieto and the underworld piques your interest, you should book a tour in advance or, at the very least, when you arrive. Head straight to the tourism office in Piazza Del Duomo to schedule something and plan your exploration around the tour time. A guided tour of the medieval caves can give you a better understanding and glimpse of how ancient Italians lived.
Torre del Moro
For the best view in Orvieto, climbing to the top of Torre del Moro is definitely worth it. Built-in the 13th century, this beautiful clock tower is on your way to the Duomo adjacent to the Palazzo dei Sette. A little over 200 steps to the top are breathtaking views of the countryside and one-of-a-kind panoramic views of Orvieto.
This unique clock tower is also known as the Tower of the Moor. It was initially known as Torre del Pappa in the 13th century when it was owned by the Pope. Tickets in advance are unnecessary; however, there may be a line to go up.
Try Classico Wine
Yes this needed it’s own section! This should not be missed by wine lovers. The white Classico Wine that Umbria is known for is a must to try and bring back with you when visiting Orvieto. Since Etruscan times, the grapevines have thrived in the volcanic soil that is very rich in minerals. Having said that, ordering a glass in a Piazza while taking it all in is the perfect thing to do before you head back.
Like much of Italy roaming the streets, stopping for aperitifs, gelato, shopping, and people-watching shouldn’t go underrated. In fact, I like to think of it as the most essential part of exploring any place. It is not nearly as fun to just tick attractions off your list and head back, but engaging in the surroundings to understand the culture is what being a traveler is all about. Purchasing souvenirs while visiting Orvieto is also a good idea as things are less expensive than in major cities such as Rome and Florence. Consider picking up delicious cured meats, local olive oil, and the delicious Classico Wine Orvieto is known for.
I hope this one-day itinerary was helpful in not only convincing you to visit but also planning out the perfect day while you’re there! Drop a comment and let me know what you think or if there is something I should add. Check out my post on spending a week in Rome if you are thinking of spending time there too!
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