Orvieto
A Gem In The Heart Of Umbria
A few years ago, I had the chance to be invited by the Orvieto tourism board for a weekend tour of this renowned town of Umbria, along with some fellow photographers and bloggers. Sitting on top of a big butte of volcanic tuff, Orvieto retains large signs of its Etrurian past, so much so that the first thing that stood out to me was the light brown tones across its alleys and its roads.
The Duomo cathedral is the main attraction. The church was built in the 14th century and is dedicated to the Ascending of the Virgin Mary. Aesthetically it might remind you of the more famous Cathedral of Siena, obviously because of its roman-gothic style! This one in Orvieto is one of the most significant in Italy.
Don’t miss a visit to another landmark of note, like Torre del Moro for a sunset view of the town and the surrounding hills, Pozzo di San Patrizio and Fortezza Albornoz!
Despite being a small town of only 20 thousand citizens, Orvieto has a vivacious historic center, thanks to numerous cultural initiatives at its Teatro Mancinelli and artisan boutiques like the world-renowned Bottega Michelangeli for its unique style in furnishing and wood creations.
So quiet and quintessentially Italy!
Since we are in Umbria, food plays a unique role. Local cuisine is highly appreciated thanks to its cured meats and other traditional dishes. If you’re planning a road trip across Italy, don’t miss this part of the country for its authenticity.
Lovely cloisters around the town