Weaving Lanes of Medieval Orvieto

View of Orvieto

The historic center of Orvieto 

is perched high on a volcanic rock in Umbria, Italy. 

Surrounding it below is the newer part 

of Orvieto. 

View from the top.

To get from one to the other you can climb, climb, climb 

or you can use an elevator, escalator, mini bus or a funicular 

as parking above is restricted to only residents. 

There is a large public lot below. 

Once you arrive you will be greeted by 

weaving lanes of intersecting cobbled lanes 

that can quickly disorient you, 

so take note of the landmarks along your path. 

A cobbled lane in Orvieto.

The jewel of Orvieto is 

the gothic cathedral. 

Cathedral of Orvieto

After 300 years of work the duomo was completed in 1591. 

But Orvieto itself has history dating back to the ancient Etruscans. 

Cathedral of Orvieto

One of the things to do here is to visit the old underground tunnels and caves
that have been carved out of the soft rock below the town.
Many of these areas are privately owned,
but with a guide you can visit a section of them.

The View from our Room at the Grand Italia 

There is also an interesting well 

with steps created to enable the mules to carry water out. 

The design of the dual steps creates a double helix. 

Morning Gossip

If your visit includes a Saturday 

you will see the locals catching up 

and sharing news  with each other 

throughout the town. 

At the Market

Saturday also offers a market of tempting food, clothing and home goods. 

Bring cash as no credit is accepted. 

Holy Laundry

But my favorite thing was to wander the streets and alleys 

and see the people and architecture of Orvieto. 

If you can make it to Umbria, 

and want a place a little less touristy 

then make a stop in Orvieto.