Torre del Moro (Moro Tower), Orvieto

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Torre del Moro (Moro Tower), Orvieto

Torre del Moro (Moro Tower), Orvieto

The Moro Tower dates back to the 13th century, during the medieval period when Orvieto was a thriving city-state. It was originally built as a watchtower and a means of defense for the town. The tower's name, "Torre del Moro," is thought to be derived from the Moorish-style battlements that adorn its crown.

Standing at approximately 47 meters (154 feet) tall, the Torre del Moro dominates Orvieto's skyline. The tower is constructed primarily of local stone and features traditional medieval architecture. Its sturdy walls and stone masonry reflect the defensive purpose it served in Orvieto's history. The decorative crenellations at the top add to its picturesque appearance.

At the top of the tower, visitors will encounter a clock mechanism that was added in the 19th century. The clock, with its mechanical workings, is an intriguing piece of historical technology. Additionally, the tower houses a large bell that still chimes to mark the hours.

The main attraction of the Torre del Moro is undoubtedly the stunning panoramic views it offers. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the town, the rolling hills of Umbria, and even as far as the distant Apennine Mountains. The climb to the top involves ascending a spiral staircase with more than 200 steps, making it a rewarding yet physically challenging experience.

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.

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Torre del Moro (Moro Tower) on Map

Sight Name: Torre del Moro (Moro Tower)
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

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

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