One Day in Orvieto itinerary – Best things to do in Orvieto, Italy

The charming town of Orvieto is a perfect example of an Italian hill town. Perched atop a cliff made from tufa volcanic rock, it has everything you would want in an Italian itinerary stop: beautiful views, picturesque streets, a gorgeous cathedral, and of course, delicious food. 

It also has some unique attractions that set it apart from other hill towns such as St. Patrick’s well, underground caves, and even a few archaeological sites. With more than 3000 years of history, Orvieto is full of interesting finds. 

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This article will give you all the information you need to know to make your visit to Orvieto unforgettable. This itinerary will give you a good outline if you are only in Orvieto for a day but will also include other ideas if you are lucky enough to stay for longer.

One day in Orvieto itinerary

The Duomo

The Duomo di Orvieto or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunto is the top site in the city, and for good reason. Construction of this cathedral was started in 1290 to house the Corporal of Bolsena. This is a relic from the nearby town of Bolsena.

Legend has it that a miracle occurred when a priest found his sacramental bread, or host, bleeding so much it stained the alter cloth. This event is known as the miracle of Bolsena or sometimes called the miracle of Orvieto.

Every year in early June this sacred cloth is the center of a procession accompanied by medieval costumes during the festival of Corpus Domini.

The facade of the cathedral, with its rose window, gold mosaics and bronze door, is stunning. Make sure you spend some time admiring the exterior and enjoying the piazza before heading in.

The interior of the church is spacious with alternating layers of basalt and travertine which create striped columns and walls. It used to be more cluttered inside but in 1877 the people of Orvieto decided they wanted to de-Baroque the cathedral, clearing out much of the ornamentation.

The chapel of San Brizio, within the cathedral, is spectacular. It features frescoes depicting the last judgment, apocalypse and resurrection.

Artists Fra Angelico and Benozzo Gozzoli painted some of the ceiling but most of the chapel was done by Luca Signorelli. This is considered his most impressive work. Michelangelo was a student and admirer of Signorelli and these frescos are said to have inspired his work on the Sistine Chapel.

St. Patrick’s Well

Completed in 1537, St. Patrick’s well is a 174 feet deep (53m), 45 feet (13m) wide well that was dug into the volcanic rock. Orvieto served as a refuge for the Pope in the time of a siege.

Ensuring there was enough water was a top priority and building this well was the answer. St. Patrick’s well has a double helix design so people and animals carrying empty jugs down could walk on one side and those carrying water back up could walk on the other side. This way the flow of traffic was smooth without any backups.

You can visit the well and climb down to the water yourself marveling at this architectural achievement. There are 248 steps so bring your walking shoes.

Underground Orvieto

Orvieto has been populated since Etruscan times. The Etruscans used the volcanic rock to dig an underworld of caves and tunnels that honeycomb under the town.

These caves and tunnels were also used in medieval times for such things as olive mills and coves to raise doves. They were even used as escape routes by the nobility during times of siege.

Guided tours are given if you are interested in learning how these caves were used and see a glimpse into the lives of their inhabitants. These tours can fill up quickly so if you are interested in one make sure you book ahead of time and then work in all your other activities around the tour.

This guided tour is wonderful as you visit both the Duomo and the underground. During the tour you will see things like an olive press, an olive oil mill, a fireplace and dovecotes, which are notches in the wall used to raise doves.

There are a few other places in town where you can get a smaller glimpse into the underground. Il labirinto di Adriano or the Pozzo della Cava both let you see sections of some of the rooms and tunnels beneath the town.

Book your adventure:
Orvieto Cathedral and Underground Caves Tour
Pozzo della Cava Entry Ticket

Old Town

When you are in Orvieto you will want to leave plenty of time to just wander the streets and explore. The jumble of narrow streets and alleyways are a delightful way to pass the afternoon.

Get off the main roads and try to get lost. Don’t worry, you won’t be lost for long. You will soon run into something familiar. There are so many picturesque back streets and gorgeous corners to experience. Enjoy the sites and take lots of pictures.

Take time to meander through the medieval quarter. This area is the oldest part of the city. It extends along Via Della Cava and includes the Porta Maggiore or city gate.

Book this walking tour with a guide so you don’t miss any of the sites or history of the town. 

Book your Orvieto walking tour

Fortezza Albornoz

When exploring the old town, don’t miss out on Fortezza Albornoz. This castle or fortress is accessible from Piazza Cahen. Originally the fort had a moat and drawbridge. Today only a portion of the fortress stands with a tower overlooking the ancient entrance to the city.

The fortress now houses beautiful public gardens. From the gardens, you can enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of the valley below. Among these gardens you can also see the original house of Luigi Barzini, a famous writer and journalist of Orvieto.

Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo

Make sure your wanderings take you by the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. Although this magnificent building is now used as a conference center, and is therefore closed to the public, it is still worth a stop to admire the exterior.

Work on this palace began in the 13th century. It was home to the “Captain of the people”. He represented the interests of the common people to the nobility.

Torre del Moro

If you want some breathtaking views of the city, climb the Torre del Moro. This tower stands at the crossroads of the city where the four districts meet. At the top is a terrace where visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the city and beyond to the countryside.

If you have 2 days in Orvieto …

Take a cooking class

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the place you are visiting is to take a class. In Italy an obvious one is a cooking class. Food is such an integral part of the history and customs of the Italian way of life.

Try an amazing cooking class. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, meet some local people, learn a new skill and go home with a full belly and some new recipes.

Book your Italian cooking class

Go wine tasting

The vineyards around Orvieto are famous for producing the white Orvieto Classico wine and the Rosso Orvietano. The volcanic soil is idyllic for the grape vines. There are many tours you can take to visit these wineries and taste some wine.

Book this e-bike wine tasting tour visiting numerous wineries throughout the day. E-bikes are the perfect way to explore vineyards. You get to enjoy the fun and freedom of a bike, but without all the sweating.

Book your e-bike wine tasting tour

Hop over to Civita di Bagnioregio 

Civita di Bagnioregio is an enchanting day trip from Orvieto. It is a quick 30 minute drive away. Many tours are also available to this memorable town. Civita di Bagnioregio sits on the top of a cliff, the sides of which are crumbling. Evidence of this is seen through doors that lead to nowhere and buildings with walls missing.

You reach the town by crossing a pedestrian bridge over a valley. As you walk you are treated with spectacular views of the town above you.

Civita di Bagnioregio is an absolute delight to wander and explore. You feel like you are going back in time as you find picturesque alleys and flower-lined lanes. There are a few shops and restaurants in town but Civita is mostly for wandering and taking lots of pictures. 

Museums

If you have another day in Orvieto, consider one of the town’s many museums. There are 5 to choose from displaying everything from archaeological finds to modern art. Four of them are in the Piazza Duomo and one is in Piazza del Popolo.

If you are interested in Etruscan and Roman artifacts the National Archaeological Museum and the Museo Civico e Faina are the ones you will want to focus on. There is a treasure trove of Etruscan artifacts, some recently unearthed.

Visit the Archaeological Sites

If you are still craving more Etruscan history after the underground and the museums, Orvieto has two archaeological sites to visit.

The first is the ruins of an Etruscan necropolis. This cemetery is over 2500 years old. You can still make out some of the names inscribed in the stone.

The other site is the ruins of the temple of Belvedere. This was an Etruscan temple built to honor their most revered god, Tinia.

Where to stay in Orvieto

The old town of Orvieto up on the hill is the best area to stay in Orvieto as everything is within walking distance. I highly recommend the following accommodation options: 

Getting to Orvieto

Guided tours: the most popular way to experience Orvieto is on a day trip from Rome or Florence. I highly recommend this tour from Rome which also takes you to Assisi. Make sure to book it in advance as it sells out regularly. If you are coming from Florence, book this private tour for the perfect day. 

By air: The closest airport to Orvieto is in Assisi (PEC) but there are better options as it is a smaller airport. Rome (FCO) is the closest large airport. The Florence (FLR) and Bologna (BLQ) airports are other options. From there you can catch a train, car or tour to reach Orvieto.

By car: Orvieto is ideally located in the Umbria region of Italy. It sits between Florence and Rome. Arriving there by car is an easy drive from either city. It takes about 1.5 hours from Rome to Orvieto and 2 hours from Florence. You will not want to drive once in Orvieto as the streets are very narrow, with sharp turns and many streets are pedestrian only. Instead, park your car and walk the town. 

Parking in Orvieto can be a bit tricky as there are very few places to park in town. The Piazza Cahen car park or the covered parking in Via Roma are both paid parking areas. Your best bet, however, is the free parking lot beside the train station (Piazza della Pace). Once you park your car, ride the funicular up.

By train: Orvieto is well connected by train as it sits on the Rome-Florence-Milan line. It has many trains arriving from both Rome and Florence throughout the day. It is also connected to other destinations such as Milan, Naples and Bologna. The train station is located at the bottom of the funicular. Once you arrive at the station take the funicular to the top.

Getting Around Orvieto

Orvieto is very walkable. Once you ride the funicular to the top of the hill, everything is within walking distance. Many streets are pedestrian only so you will not need transportation. 

The funicular is the best way to reach the hilltop old town. It costs a few Euros and takes about 5 minutes. It drops you off in Piazza Cahen. When you get to the top you can walk or take the bus right into the piazza Duomo.

If you want good views, instead of taking the bus into town, consider walking the walls around the city. The walls go up and down a bit but mostly surround the city and you will enjoy some amazing vistas.

What and where to eat in Orvieto

Remember those dovecotes you saw in the Orvieto underground? One of the main reasons the people of Orvieto were raising the birds was for food consumption. Even though the doves and pigeons are now raised in more modern facilities, they are still used to make delicious dishes. Try one out.

Other local delicacies to try are wild boar, truffles and porcini mushrooms. Umbricelli, a type of pasta that is thicker and chewier than spaghetti, is also commonly used. Of course, pair your food with Orvieto’s famed white wine and make sure to leave room for some gelato.

Orvieto has many delicious restaurants and you can’t really go wrong. Here are a few of my favorites:

La Palomba is a Michelin restaurant. This restaurant has been in the same family since 1965 and is now being run by the third generation. It has an inviting ambiance and serves traditional Umbrian specialties.

Trattoria Del Moro Aronne is a favorite with locals and tourists. If you are there during a busy time be sure to make a reservation as it fills quickly. Some of the specialties here are broad bean and baffo carbonara, swallow’s nests with pecorino and honey, Orvieto-style cod with mint, wild boar. The food is always delicious. You will not be disappointed.

If pizza is what you are after, check out Pizzeria Charlie for some of the best pizza in town. If the weather is nice, sit out on the patio for a lovely evening.

Orvieto is so full of rich history, charming streets, beautiful churches, stunning vistas and yummy food. It is definitely worth a visit. You will fall in love with this quintessential Italian hilltown and want to come back again and again. 

Best time to Visit Orvieto

The best time to visit Orvieto is in Spring or Fall. Even as early as March or as late as November should be pleasant with a light jacket.

Like most of Italy, Orvieto gets busy and hot in the summer. Winter sees shorter days, more rain and lower temperatures.

Another tip for beating the crowds is to stay overnight and make the most of the mornings and evenings. Orvieto’s ideal position between Florence and Rome makes it a convenient destination for day trips and many use Orvieto as a short stop on their way. 

How long to stay in Orvieto

You can see most of the main sites in Orvieto in one day but consider staying overnight. Staying overnight lets you experience the town when the crowds have died down.

Taking a stroll after sunset or waking up and exploring before the crowds arrive will make you fall in love with Orvieto in a way you can’t when it is crowded. If you have a second day in Orvieto you will be able to slow down a bit and really enjoy this picture-perfect town.

Is Orvieto worth visiting?

Orvieto is absolutely worth a visit! The Old Towns’ charm and beauty alone are enough to make it worth a stop but Orvieto has so much more to offer. With the Etruscan history, Roman ruins, underground tunnels, caves, and St. Patrick’s well, Orvieto is an unforgettable and unique destination.