Orvieto — What an Italian Hill Town Should Be

Feb 04, 2025 73

BY: Rick Steves

Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. About 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of tufo volcanic stone (tuff), overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains. A visit here will reward you with a delightful, perfectly preserved, and virtually traffic-free world highlighted by a colorful-inside-and-out cathedral and some of Italy's best wine.

Orvieto has two distinct parts: the old-town hilltop and the dull new town below. Driving in the upper old town is not recommended. And it's not necessary: From the train station (and a vast free parking lot just behind it) a slick little funicular whisks visitors memorably and effortlessly up the town's natural fortress hill and deposits them about a 10-minute walk or quick shuttle ride from the heart of town.

Read more

SOURCE: https://www.ricksteves.com/

You may be interested