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Orvieto shouldn't be missed on a trip to Umbria. It's quite a beautiful town. I'd like to apologize to the host 'Enzo' for my initial review. I was in a grumpy (tired) mood and he did try his best to accomodate us with his suggestions. I liked his secure parking. Thank you, Vincenzo. Visiting the town was easy to do. We ate at 'Il Mercato'; excellent food and service. The Duomo is unreal. Gorgeous facade.

The stupendous Duomo of Orvieto is on top of the list of places to visit. The cathedral commemorates the Miracle of the Eucharist in Bolsena-droplets of blood that stained the altar linen, made some time in the1260’s. According to the Bradt Guide for Italy, Umbria & The Marche regions, “A Bohemian priest named Peter, was on his way to Rome, was asked to celebrate mass in Bolsena, just to the south. Father Peter had long been skeptical about the doctrine of the Host becoming the body of Christ during the mass, but the Host itself answered his doubts by dripping blood on the altar linen. Peter took the linen to the Pope (Urban IV) and he declared it a miracle and instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi. Pope Urban IV promised Orvieto (rather unfairly to Bolsena) a magnificent new cathedral. “ The exterior façade of this gothic cathedral, has mosaics depicting the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, etc. with stunning gold backgrounds, that glow in the afternoon sun. The interior has cycles of frescos throughout, painted Fra Angelico, Luca Signorelli, Perugino, Piero della Francesca, to name a few. The other most remarkable attraction in Orvieto is the Viaggio nella “Città Sotterranea”, the Orvieto Underground tours. We took an fascinating, evening tour given in English by a local guide. Tours can be booked through an office near to the cathedral in Piazza Duomo. As the brochure notes “Orvieto Underground is the best way to become acquainted with this new, unusual aspect of a culture of a city that abounds in history and outstanding art treasures. The tour takes you along a winding subterranean path through tunnels, stairs, unexpected passageways, superimposed rooms, with innumerable small square niches, all of which bear witness to creation over the centuries of this “city underground”.

People who just do a day trip from Rome miss out on exploring the romantic little town and really getting a feeling for the history of it. 3 - 4 days is jsut right if you want to walk around the entire town once and do all the sightseeing and relax at the same time. You will laugh, but my fridge was outside between my window and shutters, I had breakfast at my window and grabbed pizza as take away in town. I have got a fear to get lost in big cities - so Orvieto is perfect - you just stroll around everywhere and when you want to get hoem you ask : " Duomo ? " and peopl;e point you in the right direction. :) The well is super interesting, the dome was great, the Etruscan museum and walking around the bottom of the town.

The hostess where i stayed is wonderful. She gave me restaurant tips. I went to two restaurants and cafes too. They were all good. Orvieto is wonderful to walk around with beautiful scenery, interesting history and great shops. Top quality beautiful goods. Leather and ceramics and clothing all top quality. A magical experience awaits at one shop with armour outside. The whole town is a photographers dream and the views of the surrounding countryside are amazing. Especially from the clock tower. Beautiful walks along well kept paths overlooking the countryside. The Duomo is stunning and there are many galleries, museums and historic places to visit. Easy to walk around. A funicular ride up is special. The underground tour is so interesting.

Orvieto is a beautiful city. It stands out by its friendly services all around. They just welcome visitors more than other cities. Also free wifi the entire city centre. In the winter months, it's magical. I love sitting in Piazza del Popolo during the summer months - it really transported me back into how I come to know of Italy in films. I will go back over and over again for retreats.

Lovely Umbrial hill town. A must see is the Duomo. The highlight is the San Brizio chapel with detailed frescos of the day of judgement and life after death. Also the outside facades divided by four pillars. Beautiful mosaics, sculpture and stained glass start with the creation and end with the last judgement. Highly impressed with this Cathedral.