Orvieto
Orvieto: the city to discover
Welcome to Orvieto! This municipality, with a population of approximately 19,604, is located in the beautiful region of Umbria, in the province of Terni. We are here to take you on a journey to discover an ancient and characteristic city, where history and culture blend perfectly.
Political Geography
Orvieto borders the province of Perugia to the east and the province of Viterbo in Lazio to the south. Orvieto's territory was part of the Monte Peglia and Selva di Meana mountain community, and part of it lies in the Tiber valley, now the Tiber River Park.
Physical Geography
Territory
The heart of Orvieto is its tuff rock, which rises above the Paglia Valley, a tributary of the Tiber. This huge tuff mesa was formed by the collapse of pyroclastic currents, clouds, and fiery avalanches from the Quaternary activity of the Volsinio volcano system. With an area of 281 km², it is one of the top 100 Italian municipalities by surface area.
Climate
Orvieto has a Mediterranean climate, not much different from that of other Umbrian cities. Winters are cold but mild, and summers are hot and dry.
History
Prehistory
Orvieto's municipal territory is known for its archaeological artifacts that attest to the presence of human groups since the Paleolithic era. In the plateau on which the ancient nucleus of the city stands, the artifacts date back partly to the Bronze Age, and mostly to the early Iron Age.
The Etruscan settlement
In the 10th century BC, the Etruscans settled on this tuff rock, structuring a vast unified settlement of about 85 hectares, characterized by the so-called Villanovan archaeological aspect, which could accommodate several thousand individuals. The city of Orvieto developed at a relatively high altitude compared to the plain below, and its strategic position made it an important commercial and exchange center.
The Roman era
After the Roman conquest, Orvieto lost its role as a commercial city, and public and private buildings moved from the plateau to the plain below. In Roman times, the city was known for its tuff quarries, from which large blocks were extracted to build buildings.
The medieval period
Between the 5th and 8th centuries AD, Orvieto was occupied by the Lombards, who built various architectural works, including the Albornoz Fortress. In the medieval period, the city experienced great urban and building development. In the 12th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
The Renaissance and Baroque periods
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Orvieto became an important artistic and cultural center. Numerous artists and architects settled in the city, creating numerous works of art.
The Nineteenth century
In the 19th century, Orvieto became the symbol city of the Italian Risorgimento. The city was the site of important political and cultural events and saw the birth of the newspaper 'Il Popolo'.
What to see in Orvieto
Orvieto is a city rich in history and culture, with numerous attractions for visitors. Art lovers can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Palazzo del Popolo, the Church of Sant'Andrea, the Museum of the Opera del Duomo, and the Claudio Faina Museum.
Nature lovers can visit the Tiber River Park, where there are numerous hiking and cycling trails.
What to eat in Orvieto
Orvieto is known for its traditional cuisine based on local products and typical of Umbria. Typical dishes include farro soup, stuffed artichokes, wild boar sausages, and peasant-style beans.
For dessert lovers, there are traditional sweets such as torciglione (a sweet made from almonds and sugar) and crostini with dried figs.
Conclusions
Orvieto is a wonderful city, rich in history and culture. Its position on the tuff rock and panoramic view of the Paglia Valley make this place unique. The city offers numerous opportunities for tourists and hikers, from artistic heritage to food and wine. Come and discover Orvieto, and let yourself be enchanted by its timeless beauty!
