--- title: Orvieto, Umbria -Above and below description: High above the Umbrian countryside, atop a chunk of tufo, sits the town of Orvieto image: https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Orvieto%2c%20Umbria%2cItaly.png --- - [Why us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/why-us) - [Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) 1-877-457-3177 [![Food N' Wine Vacations, Inc®](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/FoodNWineVacations_July2020/images/logo-fooadneinevacations.svg "Food N' Wine Vacations, Inc®")](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/) **Menu** - Tours - [Italy](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/culinary-tours-italy) - [Secrets of Tuscany](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tuscany-tours) - [Tuscany wine Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tuscany-wine-tours-italy) - [The Best of Sicily](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/the-best-of-sicily-tour) - [Dreamin’ Amalfi Coast](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/amalfi-coast-tours) - [Discover Piemonte](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/italy-piedmont-wine-tours) - [Colors of Puglia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/puglia-tours) - [Veneto Food & wine Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/veneto-wine-and-food-tour) - [Culinary Paradise](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/umbria-italy-tours) - [Lake Como](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/italian-lakes-lake-como-italy) - [France](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/best-wine-tours-france) - [Best of Provence Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/provence-tours-france) - [Bordeaux Classique](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/bordeaux-wine-tours-france) - [Taste Burgundy Like A Local](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/taste-burgundy-like-a-local) - [Enchanting Dordogne](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/enchanted-dordogne-tour) - [Champagne Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/champagne-france-wine-tours) - [Greece](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/greek-island-tours) - [Greek Islands Fantasy](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/greek-islands-fantasy) - [Portugal](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/small-group-tours-of-portugal) - [Heart of Portugal Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/portugal-tours-heart-of-portugal-tour) - [Spain](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/best-tours-of-spain) - [The Splendor of Andalucia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tour-andalucia-southern-spain) - [Rioja Wine Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/rioja-spain-wine-tour) - [Croatia, Slovenia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/croatiatours) - [Picture-Perfect Croatia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/picture-perfect-croatia-trip) - [Discover Slovenia ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/discover-slovenia) - [South America](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/southamericanwineadventure) - [South American Wine Adventure](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/southamericanwineadventure) - [About Us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/about-us/) - [Reviews](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/review-food-and-wine-vacations-2) - [Private Groups](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) - [Calendar](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tour-calendar-food-n-wine-vacations) - [Contact](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/contact-us) # Food N' Wine Vacations Blog You are here: [Home](https://foodnwinevacations.com) / [Food N' Wine Vacations Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) / Orvieto, Umbria -Above and below # [Orvieto, Umbria -Above and below](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) 30 October 2020 / in / by [ smadar Palace ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/author/smadar-palace) 2 minute read High above the Umbrian countryside, atop a chunk of tufo, sits the town of Orvieto. Located less than 90 minutes from Rome and 2 hours from Florence, Orvieto is absolutely a point of interest and don’t-miss destination. Umbria is a region that’s rich in history and Orvieto is a fine example of that. Orvieto’s location above fields of cypress, olive groves and vineyards below, was certainly beneficial in ancient times. With the observational edge Orvieto could easily defend itself against approaching troublemakers. But, without the advantage of space the growth of the town was a bit impaired. ## How Orvieto Grew Orvieto’s earliest settlers, the Etruscans, realized the city was virtually impenetrable, except for one not-so-small detail; the water source was located on the plains below. Not to worry, these ancient innovators sunk wells into their perch and built cisterns to collect the rainfall.  As Orvieto grew in importance, its underground construction continued. The people of Orvieto designed shelters, and grottoes, spaces for storage, galleries, quarries and cellars with natural temperature control, thanks to the stone. By the onset of the Middle Ages Orvieto was thriving.  ## The Village Beneath Underground building went on, with each space more elaborate, each  subterranean structure more extensive than the next. Underground Orvieto bustled with village life, more so than above on that volcanic bluff. There were olive presses with millstones, kilns for making pottery, furnaces and even troughs for the laboring animals. Pigeons, or *piccione*, raised for food (still a popular local ingredient), roosted in hollowed out cubbies. There were even elaborate escape tunnels forged beneath the village so nobility could be secreted away in the event of an attack. All in all there were some 12,000 structures dug into the volcanic rock underneath Orvieto. Due to the fact that the village beneath the village was mostly private property, and used for strategic purposes, the underground village remained relatively ‘undiscovered’ until a landslide in the 1970’s exposed the labyrinthian town. ## The Village Above The underground village is a fascinating landmark, to be sure. But there is much more to see above the ground as well. Orvieto is a medieval city with cobblestone streets and stone houses. Orvieto is also home to one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in Italy.  Orvieto’s cathedral sports a unique facade. With stained glass, sculpture and beautiful mosaics, the cathedral’s exterior is said to be one of the most colorful in Italy.  Inside the cathedral is even more fascinating. Use of space and dimension creates somewhat of an optical illusion, making the interior appear deeper than it actually is. The Chapel of San Brizio features frescoes “The Day of Judgement” and “Life After Death” by Luca Signorelli.  *A side note: Luca Signorelli’s style of depicting a scene through action and not symbolism was a source of inspiration to his younger contemporary, Michelangelo.*  Cars are few and far between in Orvieto so you can stroll the streets and wander without fear of jockeying for the right-of-way. There are some excellent places to stop for a meal and, if you’re lucky enough, try some *piccione*, a favorite in Orvieto!   ##### Share this article - [Share on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below&text=Orvieto,%20Umbria%20-Above%20and%20below) Share on Facebook - [Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/share?text=Orvieto,%20Umbria%20-Above%20and%20below&url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) Share on Twitter - [Share on WhatsApp ](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) Share on WhatsApp - [Share on Pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below&description=High%20above%20the%20Umbrian%20countryside,%20atop%20a%20chunk%20of%20tufo,%20sits%20the…&media=https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/214221/Canva%20images/Orvieto,%20Umbria,Italy.png) Share on Pinterest - [Share on LinkedIn ](https://linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&title=Orvieto,%20Umbria%20-Above%20and%20below&url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) Share on LinkedIn - [Share on Tumblr ](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below&name=Orvieto,%20Umbria%20-Above%20and%20below&description=High%20above%20the%20Umbrian%20countryside,%20atop%20a%20chunk%20of%20tufo,%20sits%20the…) Share on Tumblr - [Share on Vk ](https://vk.com/share.php?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) Share on Vk - [Share on Reddit ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below&title=Orvieto,%20Umbria%20-Above%20and%20below) Share on Reddit - [Share by Mail ](mailto:?subject=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) Share by Mail - [Popular](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below#tab-1) - [Recent](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below#tab-2) ### Popular [Greek Etiquette06 May 2022 - 04:20 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/greek-etiquette) [Why the French Serve Cheese Before Dessert15 August 2025 - 05:03 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/why-the-french-serve-cheese-before-dessert) [Burek in Croatia21 June 2024 - 04:00 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/burek-in-croatia) [Aperol Spritz13 October 2023 - 06:54 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/aperol) [The Story of The Jewish Baths of Ortigia10 February 2023 - 04:46 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-story-of-the-jewish-baths-of-ortigia) ### Recent [ETIAS Europe travel update01 May 2026 - 06:20 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/etias-europe-travel-update) [The History of Biscotti: Why It’s Baked Twice20 February 2026 - 04:56 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-history-of-biscotti-why-its-baked-twice) [Day Trips from Palermo12 February 2026 - 03:34 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/day-trips-from-palermo) [The Great Pastry war croissant-vs-cornetto05 February 2026 - 09:41 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/croissant-vs-cornetto) [How to Order Coffee in Italy16 January 2026 - 07:35 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/how-to-order-coffee-in-italy) [An introduction To The Greek Islands ![An introduction To The Greek Islands](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/C77DA908-A74F-48B2-9D49-077E721B1105.jpeg?width=80&height=80&name=C77DA908-A74F-48B2-9D49-077E721B1105.jpeg) ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) [![What the heck is an agriturismo](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/agriturismo%20tsble-1.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=agriturismo%20tsble-1.jpg) What the heck is an agriturismo ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/what-the-heck-is-an-agriturismo) ### Food N’ Wine Travel Style Food N’ Wine Vacations™ is all about experiences. Our tours focus on connection to people and places, to their history, landscapes, food and tradition. From driving in beautiful landscapes to tasting regional specialties and wines, and staying in charming private estates. [** ](https://www.facebook.com/FoodandWineVacations) [** ](https://twitter.com/FOODNWINETRAVEL) [** ](https://www.pinterest.com/foodnwinetravel/) [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-n-wine-vacations/?viewAsMember=true) [** ](https://www.instagram.com/foodnwinevacations/?hl=en) ### Find your Tour - - [Why Food N’ Wine](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/why-us) - [Reviews](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/review-food-and-wine-vacations-2) - [Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) - [About Us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/about-us/) - - [Email us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/contact-us) - [Private Groups](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) - [Travel advisors](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/travel-advisors) ### INFO & CONTACT - - [Why Food N’ Wine](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/why-us) - [Reviews](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/review-food-and-wine-vacations-2) - [Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) - [About Us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/about-us/) - - [Email us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/contact-us) - [Private Groups](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) - [Travel advisors](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/travel-advisors) © Food N’ wine vacations 2023. All rights reserved. - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy policy](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) [Scroll to top](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below#top) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "smadar Palace", "url" : "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/author/smadar-palace" }, "dateModified" : "2021-03-06T14:06:58.563Z", "datePublished" : "2020-10-30T23:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "Orvieto, Umbria -Above and below", "image" : [ "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Orvieto%2c%20Umbria%2cItaly.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/logophoto.png" }, "name" : "Food N' Wine Vacations" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://214221.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/214221/Orvieto%20video%20Umbria.mp4", "dateModified" : "2022-04-15T21:20:02.114Z", "duration" : "PT9S", "height" : 1920, "name" : "Orvieto Umbria", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/36140422096?portalId=214221&size=medium", "uploadDate" : "2020-10-16T01:42:32.414Z", "width" : 1080 } ```