Orvieto

Orvieto is a city and comune in the Province of Terni, part of the Umbria region in central Italy. It is situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The site of the city rises above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone, called Tufa.

History

Orvieto was built originally in the Etruscan era, and it kept growing throughout the ages. It has left a mark in the history of Italy since the ancient times, thanks to its distinctive position.

Main Sights

Orvieto Cathedral

The Orvieto Cathedral is a large 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and situated in the town of Orvieto. It is considered one of the masterpieces of the Late Middle Ages Italian architecture.

Underground Orvieto

The city of Orvieto has many structures that were built into tuff cliffs and are visible from the surface. There is an underground city that has been in existence since the Etruscan era. The Underground Orvieto is a series of tunnels and caves that were used for various purposes throughout history.

Pozzo di San Patrizio

The Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well) is a historic well in Orvieto. It was built by architect-engineer Antonio da Sangallo the Younger of Florence, between 1527 and 1537.

Culture

Orvieto is known for its white wine, Orvieto and Orvieto Classico. It is a dry white wine that is produced in the provinces of Terni and Viterbo, but named after the town of Orvieto.

See Also

• Umbria
• Orvieto (wine)
• Orvieto Cathedral
• Underground Orvieto
• Pozzo di San Patrizio