Visit Orvieto
Orvieto, in the southern end of the Umbria region of central Italy,is situated on a tuff cliff with overhanging walls, which dominates the plain below.
The visit to Orvieto can start right from the Cathedral and Museum - Orvieto Cathedral has so much of interest and so many highlights that we have given it a separate article: see Orvieto Cathedral.
On the same square as the Cathedral the Faina and Soliano Palaces are situated, both seat of prestigious museums. On the right side of the cathedral there is a small square, which is located on the papal and Episcopal palace complex, known as the Papal Palace, where there is the National Archaeological Museum.
The northwest area of Orvieto, runs between houses, medieval towers, and ancient Etruscan walls, shady courtyards and palaces with elegant mullioned windows, which offer a panoramic view over the valley of the Paglia River. At the end of Via Malabranca note the Church of St Juvenal, with a linear front and an interior almost completely covered with frescoes by local painters, between the thirteenth and sixteenth century.
The Republic Square opens at the point where the Roman Forum was situated. On the south side of the square stands the Town Hall, built in the early thirteenth century, and then continued in the sixteenth century. On the east side of the square stands the Church of St. Andrew , built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries on the ruins of a pre-existing paleo-Christian building; the left side is enriched by a colonnade and the three naves, marked by granite columns. On the right, note the solemn bell tower decorated with mullioned windows. In this elegant and lively area of Orvieto, there are many antique shops.
Continuing, we reach the tree-lined 'Piazza XXIX Marzo' and the Church of San Domenico, with a Gothic portal, and the lunette frescoed in the early fifteenth century. Also on the same square is the former Dominican Convent, famous for being the seat of Tribunal of the Inquisition.
In the eastern sector of the city there is the 'Pozzo di San Patrizio', built and designed by Antonio Sangallo the Younger (1484-1546) at the behest of Pope Clement VII (1478-1534), in order to avert water shortages in the event of prolonged siege; it is cylindrical structure and it is surrounded by two overlapping spiral staircases. Near the well are the mighty castle, built by Cardinal Albornoz (1310-1367) and the evocative remains of the Etruscan Temple of Belvedere, dating from the fifth century BC and rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.
Leaving "Porta Romana", outside the city, there is the Abbey of St. Severus and Martyrdom, a former Benedictine complex, built in the sixth century. The Abbey includes different environments, including the Old Church, preceded by a spectacular arch, dating from the thirteenth century, and rich in a valuable paving of Cosmatesque style.
Local Orvieto Cuisine
In the surrounding countryside traditional farms produce one of the best oils in Umbria; while also closely linked to tradition in Orvieto is the simple and authentic cuisine, using local products of excellent quality. Among the more unusual dishes is the "Drunk Chicken", so called because its use provides plenty of cooking wine. Among the first courses we recommend the "umbricelli" while among the soups try perhaps the chickpea soup and the 'chickpeas and chestnuts'. Game has a prominent place, especially hares, wild boar and the so-called “palombe” (pigeon), cooked with very special local sauces. Also linked to ancient tradition are the "sweet macaroni," the "lumachelle" (so called because the dough takes precisely the form of a snail), the “halm-crickets” (fried zucchini flowers), and finally "tortucce" (made with fried dough). Orvieto is also famous for its wine - the best known is the white wine, but there are also the red and rosé.
See also history of Orvieto