Orvieto Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Orvieto

Some 100 kilometers north of Rome, in the picturesque region of Umbria, lies the old town of Orvieto overlooking the Paglia valley from atop a volcanic plateau. The name "Orvieto" stems from “urbs vetus” which means “ancient town” in Latin. Indeed, Orvieto is old, with its roots traced to Etruscan times, circa the 9th century BC.

Despite having been a major center of Etruscan civilization, as evidenced by artifacts housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Orvieto, the city truly flourished during the Roman era. Thanks to its strategic location on a steep crag of soft limestone called tufa, Orvieto was annexed by Rome in the 3rd century BC.

In the 10th century AD, Orvieto established a self-governing commune. Throughout the 13th century, its significance continued to grow and the city governed itself through a podestà, often the bishop, and a military governor, called the "captain of the people."

Orvieto also flourished as a cultural center. It hosted a small university (“studium”), granted by Pope Gregory IX in 1236, which eventually evolved into the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, named so after Thomas Aquinas who taught there.

Controlled by the papacy for centuries, Orvieto officially became part of the Papal States before finally joining unified Italy in 1860.

There are two distinct towns in Orvieto, the upper old town and a newer one in the valley. The former contains most of Orvieto's tourist attractions. Some of the most interesting of them lie underground, such as the Quarry Well Archaeological Complex (Pozzo della Cava) and Orvieto Underground.

Orvieto's main street, Corso Cavour, traverses the town from east to west. At its junction with Via del Duomo is the Torre del Moro, an iconic clock tower commanding attention from various vantage points.

At its western end is the busy Republic Square (Piazza della Repubblica), with several outstanding buildings. Beside the massive 12th-century Palazzo Comunale is the unusual tower of Saints Andrea and Bartolomeo church (Chiesa di Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo).

The awe-inspiring Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto), is a Gothic masterpiece that cannot be missed. Also, make sure to descend into the depths of Saint Patrick's Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio), an architectural marvel that testifies to the ingenuity of Renaissance engineering.

For those with an insatiable curiosity, Orvieto is a captivating destination that offers a deep dive into the annals of Italian heritage. Come and discover the allure of this ancient gem in the heart of Umbria. Your adventure awaits!