Territory
ORVIETO AND SURROUNDINGS
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO
ORVIETO
OLD TOWN
CLAUDIO FAINA MUSEUM
Make yourselves at home in our charming hotel in central Orvieto, then go out to enjoy one of the most renowned Etruscan cities, the artefacts that enrich the Claudio Faina museum collection recall an ancient past, including vases, coins, bronze pieces and a rare sarcophagus.
CATHEDRAL
One of Orvieto’s most beautiful monuments is without a doubt the imposing and noble Romanesque Gothic cathedral, whose main facade is simply breathtaking, as well as the magnificent bas-reliefs and many mosaics. Within is the famous masterpiece of goldsmith work, the Reliquario del Corporale, and frescoes by Signorelli in the New Chapel.
OPERA DEL DUOMO MUSEUM
Connected to the Cathedral is the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo which reveals paintings and wooden statues dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, placed within the Papal Palazzo. But equally not to be missed are the many churches, the oldest is the church of San Giovenale, but also the churches of Sant’Andrea, San Domenico and San Francesco.
POZZO DI SAN PATRIZIO
Another great and admirable work is the famous Pozzo di San Patrizio, a well built by order of Pope Clement VII as an emergency water supply, designed with a double spiral staircase with low steps for pack animals and illuminated by windows that line the staircase, to a depth of 62 metres and a width of 13 metres.
PALAZZO DEL POPOLO
Finally, another important building, symbol of the ‘Urbs Vetus’, is the Palazzo del Popolo, dating back to the twelfth century. This too is an excellent example of Romanesque Gothic art, with a grand external staircase and elegant bay windows; today it is home to Orvieto’s congress centre and whilst preserving its historic charms the building has been equipped with cutting-edge technology and facilities suitable for any kind of event.
Orvieto’s surroundings
If you want to throw yourself into the discovery of the incredible riches in our area, you will find our Orvieto hotel the ideal support.
CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
The wonders of the city do not only reside in its charming old town centre but also in the many places that border it, such as the incredible village of Civita di Bagnoreggio, about half an hour away, inhabited by just a dozen people. Civita di Bagnoreggio can only be reached on foot along a pedestrian bridge, and is home to one of the most fascinating medieval town centres, despite having unfortunately been struck by a process of rock erosion which has earned it the epithet of “the dying city”.
BOLSENA LAKE
At the same distance is the Lago di Bolsena, the largest and certainly the cleanest volcanic lake in Europe and completely suitable for swimming. Precisely for these reasons it is an exceptional habitat for species of flora and animal that have by now disappeared from other similar environments, ideal if you would like a taste of wild nature, untouched by humans.
"TUFI"
Heading out a few kilometres further, you can visit the largest Etruscan remains in the whole region, the ‘tuffs’ of the villages around the Pitigliano area, especially Sovana with its Necropoles and tombs of all shapes and sizes – exceptional examples of fascinating Etruscan architecture.
TERME DI SATURNIA
Finally, just a few minutes further by car, you can completely relax at the Terme di Saturnia, served by numerous local thermal springs where the water is among the most famous in Italy for its healthiness, previously enjoyed by the Etruscans and Romans.
MOREOVER...
Whatever you choose to do, you can make the most of our warm hospitality in an enchanting city that lies just 100 kilometres from Rome and not much further from Florence, close to Perugia and Assisi, these latter can easily be visited in a day.
