Orvieto Attractions

From the cathedral the Via del Duomo runs northwest into the Corso Cavour, the main street of Orvieto, which traverses it from east to west. At the junction of the two streets rises the Torre del Moro, a quadrangular tower over 40m/132ft high. Opposite stands the Palazzo Gualterio with a highly-decorated Late Renaissance doorway (1550).

A short distance north of the Torre del Moro in Orvieto is the Piazza del Capitano del Popolo (markets held on Thurs. and Sat.), with the 11th century Palazzo del Popolo, built in volcanic tufa stone; in front of the crenellated facade is a flight of steps.

At the east end of the town, to the north of the Fortezza (now public gardens), can be seen the Pozzo di San Patrizio (1527-37 by Sangallo the Elder), a well 61m/67yd deep with two separate spiral staircases winding round the shaft, one for the descent and the other for the ascent of the donkeys which brought up water from the well.

Narrow lanes and tufa stone houses make this part of the town very attractive. In Via della Cava (house No. 7) visitors can see underground rooms carved out of the rock. From Porta Maggiore, which is the oldest town gate and was also hewn from the rock, a walk can be taken along the former fortifications to the little church of San Giovanni (fine views).

Near the Pozzo di San Patrizio in Orvieto are the remains of the Tempio Etrusco. Below the north side of the town, to the left of the road to the station, is an interesting Etruscan necropolis (Tombe Etrusche del Crocifisso del Tufo), with tombs mostly dating from the fifth and sixth centuries B.C. Another Etruscan necropolis can be found to the south of the town (Tombe Etrusche di Cannicella).

At the west end of Corso Cavour in Orvieto is the busy Piazza della Repubblica, with the church of Sant'Andrea (12-sided 11th century tower) and the massive Palazzo Comunale (12th century; façade rebuilt in 16th century).

Facing the cathedral is the Palazzo Faina which houses the Municipal Museum, with a collection of Etruscan and Greek vases.

To the right of the cathedral in Orvieto is the Palazzo Soliano (1297-1301), which now houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale with Etruscan finds from the Orvieto region displayed in five rooms. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo containing pictures and sculpture, etc. from the cathedral is also worth seeing.