Orvieto sits solitarily on top a cliff of volcanic tuff stone, gazing over the valley below. The layout of the town developed rather spontaneously over the years, with buildings constructed on top of older ones in a superimposition of structures. A visit to the city is like taking a journey through history as you discover the traces of every age, from nearly three millenniums.

Located near the edge of the cliff is the St. Patrick Well, a unique structure 60 metres deep with a double helix shape and two independent stairs of almost 250 steps each that allow persons to ascend and descend without ever meeting. But the city’s most famous monument is undoubtedly the cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.

Construction on the cathedral designed by Martani began in the year 1290. It is one of the most important buildings in Italy, with its rose window and splendid façade rich in mosaics and bas-reliefs, and works of rare beauty housed inside. Orvieto also has austere and elegant buildings, such as the Palazzo del Popolo and the Palazzo dei Sette. However, another city, Orvieto Underground, lies below, to be visited in an extraordinary journey through time accompanied by an expert guide, in an exciting tour that takes you into the heart of Orvieto.

In Orvieto art can also be found in the workshops of craftsmen that open up onto the ancient streets, where skilled masters revisit the themes of old-world traditions with the production of beautiful objects in wrought iron, ceramic, precious metals and wood.

Old-world traditions also characterise the local food and wine. In order to fully appreciate Orvieto’s history you need to taste its highly-prized white wine, Orvieto Classico, once the pride of the Etruscans and famous throughout the world today. Orvieto also boasts an excellent extra virgin olive oil, fragrant truffles, cheeses and cured meats reminiscent of ancient flavours.