Orvieto

Orvieto is a town and comune in the Umbria region of central Italy, located in the province of Terni. It sits atop a high cliff of volcanic tuff overlooking the Paglia valley, with a historic core that commands views over the surrounding countryside. The city’s compact historic center preserves medieval streets, a striking cathedral, and a subterranean network carved into the rock.

The site has ancient roots, with ties to the Etruscan civilization before becoming a Roman and medieval settlement. In the Middle Ages Orvieto grew as a powerful commune and later came under Papal States influence, cycling through periods of renewal and construction that left a lasting architectural imprint.

The Cathedral of Orvieto, or Santa Maria Assunta, is the city’s most famous monument. Begun in 1290 and developed through the 14th century, its façade is a high point of Italian Gothic sculpture and mosaics, while the interior houses the renowned fresco cycle in the Chapel of San Brizio by Luca Signorelli (late 15th–early 16th century). The cathedral complex anchors the city’s cultural identity and pilgrimage routes.

Another notable feature is the Pozzo di San Patrizio, the Well of St. Patrick, built in 1527–1529 to secure water supply during a siege. It descends about 30-plus meters and employs a double-spiral staircase, an engineering landmark of the Renaissance.

Orvieto also preserves a substantial underground heritage. The Orvieto Underground network contains tunnels and chambers excavated in various eras, offering insight into the city’s historical economy and daily life.

The area is also known for wine. Orvieto DOC covers white wines produced from Garganega and other permitted grapes, with the Orvieto Classico designation used for wines from the historic core around the town. These wines are typically light, fresh, and pale in color.