Orvieto has developed on a cliff
of volcanic rock. Today its Gothic cathedral is of wide appeal attracting
tourists to this captivating town. The city fills with
tourists in the summertime, understandably so as Orvieto is well-deserving of admiration.
This town has been a
powerful town in Umbria for 30 centuries. The city was founded as an Etruscan
settlement in the 8th or 9th century BC and was
recognized for its skilfully crafted bronze and ceramics.
Another important time for Orvieto was the medieval period during which it had control of the papal states. As well as the cathedral many other splendid
private and religious buildings were erected.
All these magnificent
period monuments make Orvieto a splendid place to stroll around. The Orvieto Unica Card is a good option for seeing the town. The pre-paid card gives the holder access to Orvieto’s major museums and sights, such as the San Brizio Chapel in the Duomo, the Torre del Moro, the Museo "Claudio Faina" and Orvieto Underground.
The card also includes a number of services such as guided tours at
certain times, as well as a cumulative bus and funicular ticket.
For the tourist information
office e-mail info@iat.orvieto.tr.it or head for Piazza Duomo 24.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Sosta which is located on Corso
Cavour is a self service restaurant where pizza and pasta are of excelllent quality. There are also meat and vegetable dishes.
Le Grotte del Fumaro is an atmospheric restaurant situated in
a cavern. Views are fabulous and it is decorated
with agricultural tools. There is also a piano bar so you can enjoy some live music in the evenings.
The fine Osteria dell’Angelo is considered by many to be one of the top
Umbrian restaurants. Its chef was listed as the “Chef to Watch” in the year 2000.
Among its delights is the banana soufflé coated in rum-and-cream sauce
and of course its well-stocked wine cellar.
Ristorante La Pergola serves
traditional meaty Umbrian dishes among which is the cinghiale
(wild boar). The flower filled garden makes a lovely place to savour a good meal.
L’Asino d’Oro is a deservedly popular
typical trattoria. The menu varies as the imaginative
chef creates new dishes with seasonal ingredients every day. Ristorante Zeppelin has a 20s theme with jazz music in the background and an inviting long
wooden bar. Its Umbrian menu includes vegetarian dishes, traditional dishes and those especially approriate for children. Cooking lessons can be taken at the restaurant.
La Badia Ristorante is an elegant eatery whose suckling pig and tagliolini
pasta with truffles are magnificent.
Ristorante I Sette Consoli on Piazza
Sant’Angelo’s fame is growing rapidly known as widely as Rome and Milan. Bookings are
a must. The food is creative and following the nouvelle cuisine style and there is a delightful garden, perfect for summer evening meals.
Caffe Montanucci on Corso Cavour
is a friendly café offering cocktails, espresso, and delectable chocolate, ice-cream and panini. They also conveniently have internet connection. Cantina Foresi
is a wine bar and café on Piazza Duomo which offers panini and
sausages accompanied with local wines.
Pasqualetti is an ice cream parlour
positoned so you can admire the stunning cathedral on Piazzo Duomo while you eat.
Il Palazzo del Gusto is a fascinating
Etruscan underground wine cellar. Some tunnels have been constructed as
wine tasting rooms and for holding events.
HOW TO GET TO ORVIETO
BY BUS : to Rome (duration: 1.20 hours, services: 2 a day). BY CABLE CAR: to reach Piazza
Cahen up the hill departures are approximately every 13 minutes. Bus 1
connects the train station and the old town and ATC bus A goes from
Piazza Cahen to Piazza Duomo. Take ATC bus B to go to Piazza della Repubblica.
BY CAR: the A1 goes past Orvieto
and the SS71 goes to Lake Trasimeno. There is a free car park behind
the train station, in Piazza Cahen and in other areas outside the city
walls.
BY TRAIN: the train linking
Rome and Florence goes past Orvieto. To Rome (duration: 1 ¼ hours, services:
every hour), to Florence (duration: 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours , services: every
hour), to Perugia (duration: 1 ¼ hours, services: every other hour).
