Orvieto Underground, Orvieto (must see)
Orvieto is famous not only for its stunning architecture and rich history but also for the fascinating world that lies beneath its streets. The underground network of Orvieto has its roots in ancient Etruscan history. The Etruscans, who inhabited this region well before the Roman era, carved intricate tunnels and caves beneath the town for various purposes, including escape routes, storage, and religious ceremonies.
Over the centuries, as Orvieto expanded and faced threats from invaders, the underground labyrinth grew. It became a refuge during times of war, a source of cool storage for food and wine, and a place of worship.
Orvieto Underground is not just a series of tunnels but a repository of stories and legends. Expert guides lead visitors through this subterranean world, sharing tales of the town's history, its residents, and the various roles these underground spaces played in their lives.
One of the main attractions in Orvieto Underground is the Pozzo della Cava, a fascinating well that descends deep into the volcanic rock. This well, with its distinctive double-helix staircase, offers a glimpse into the ingenious engineering of the past.
As you explore the underground passages, you'll encounter a network of chambers and rooms carved directly into the volcanic tuff. These spaces served different purposes over the centuries and provide insight into the daily life of Orvieto's inhabitants.
The underground tour includes a visit to a small museum displaying archaeological finds, artifacts, and artwork that offer a deeper understanding of Orvieto's past.
Over the centuries, as Orvieto expanded and faced threats from invaders, the underground labyrinth grew. It became a refuge during times of war, a source of cool storage for food and wine, and a place of worship.
Orvieto Underground is not just a series of tunnels but a repository of stories and legends. Expert guides lead visitors through this subterranean world, sharing tales of the town's history, its residents, and the various roles these underground spaces played in their lives.
One of the main attractions in Orvieto Underground is the Pozzo della Cava, a fascinating well that descends deep into the volcanic rock. This well, with its distinctive double-helix staircase, offers a glimpse into the ingenious engineering of the past.
As you explore the underground passages, you'll encounter a network of chambers and rooms carved directly into the volcanic tuff. These spaces served different purposes over the centuries and provide insight into the daily life of Orvieto's inhabitants.
The underground tour includes a visit to a small museum displaying archaeological finds, artifacts, and artwork that offer a deeper understanding of Orvieto's past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Orvieto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Orvieto Underground on Map
Sight Name: Orvieto Underground
Sight Location: Orvieto, Italy (See walking tours in Orvieto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Orvieto, Italy (See walking tours in Orvieto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Orvieto, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Orvieto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Orvieto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Orvieto Introduction Walking Tour
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... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Despite having been a major center of Etruscan... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles