Hotels Orvieto, Guesthouses Orvieto and Residences Orvieto

Orvieto, an enchanting city of the province of Terni, develops on the border between Umbria and Latium. It rises on the top of an impressive tufa rock that boasts breathtaking views over the underlying valley, that is crossed by the rivers Paglia and Chiani. Its municipal territory, that is one of the widest in Italy, is dominated by the imposing 837-metre-high Mount Peglia. The city's layout is very fascinating, since it looks like an island set amidst the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Orvieto's old town, that is scattered with ancient streets, imposing buildings, precious artworks and important cultural and historical remains, is also peppered with comfortable hotels belonging to different price categories, small family-run guest houses and intimate bed and breakfasts, the latter being the ideal accommodation facilities for both couples and groups of friends. Idyllically set just in the heart of privileged panoramic areas, Orvieto's farm houses give gourmets the possibility to taste excellent local staples from the surrounding area.

Orvieto, that has been inhabited since the IX century B.C., played a fundamental role during the Etruscan Period. The precious remains dating back to the VIII and VII centuries B.C. that were unearthed here helped reconstructing the original town layout, its most important commercial activities and the great artistic splendour of this city, that achieved the utmost significance between the VI and the IV century B.C.  The lovers of archaeology won't miss the opportunity to visit the Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo, that was discovered in the nineteenth century and provides a clear explanation of the importance the Etruscans attributed to the worship of the dead.
Orvieto experienced another thriving period during the Byzantine Age, around the year 1000, when the city centre was fortified and enriched with sumptuous palaces, churches and towers, such as the Church of St. Giovenale, that boasts sumptuously decorated interiors, and the Bishop's Palace, whose interior hosts the rich collection of the National Archaeological Museum.
During the Middle Ages, Orvieto was the scene of fierce fighting for the conquest of new territories, what made it a rich and powerful city. In the period comprised between 1200 and 1300, plenty of palaces and buildings were built here, such as the Municipal Palace, Palazzo dei Sette, Moro Tower, Palazzo del Popolo, the Church of St. Domenico, whose interior cherishes precious sculptures and paintings of great value, and the splendid Duomo.
The Duomo is regarded to be the most representative example of Gothic architecture in Central Italy. Acclaimed Italian architects and artists worked here from the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance period. In 1447, Beato Angelico realized the decoration of the Chapel of St. Brizio, that was completed in the early sixteenth century by Luca Signorelli. Not to be missed is the splendid fresco of the left nave, that was painted by Gentile da Fabriano.
Walking down the streets of the city centre, visitors will have the possibility to admire plenty of elegant Renaissance palaces, while the city's public gardens lead to the impressive Albornoz Fortress, that was realized in the fourteenth century.
Not to be missed is the mysterious underground path that develops under the modern city centre, a real labyrinth dating back to 2500 years ago that can be visited under the supervision of expert guides and leads visitors across the mysteries of the wonderful Orvieto Ipogea.