Umbria: Orvieto

By approaching Orvieto you will notice that it stands on a cliff, a large mass of tufa rock that seems to be dued to a volcanic eruption of the big crater that now is filled in by the nearby Bolsena Lake.  The consistency of this rock is characterized by different textures and this allowed man to mould and modify it in order to create cavities and caves that are still visible. We reach the city along Viale Crispi that conveys in Saint Patrick square where you can leave the car and look around the town.

Quod natura munimento inviderat industria adiecit 

what nature stinted for provision, application has supplied

First stop: Saint Patrick's well... that allowed the transportation of water from the buttom of the valley up to the town, avoiding to pass on the only available way. It's more than 5o meters deep and with a diameter of 13 m, just 248 steps to reach the buttom and to restore breathing the fresh air.
Access is granted by a system of two one-way helical stairs: you enter from one door and you exit from the opposite one ... if you get out ... since the name was inspired  by medieval Irish legend according to which Saint Patrick's purgatory in Ireland gave access to Purgatory.
All around this site you can enjoy of the beautiful view on the valley and Albornoz Fortress.
Walk along Corso Cavour and you will find yourself in the historical centre; follow the touristic route and reach the square of the Dom: an authentic Gothic masterpiece. Because of its position it conveys the idea of dominating the entire city and the valley: you can see it from far away, while reaching the town. The facade is characterized by very beautiful mosaics and with a large rose window that enlights the interiors where two chapels and important paintings - among which some from the Judgment Day - are still preserved.
Next to the Cathedral you can visit also the Palace of the Popes that was built at the end of the XIII century when the Popes moved to Orvieto to escape conflicts in Rome.

In the same square of the Cathedral you can enter a labyrinth of grottoes, hidden in the silent darkness of the rock and where you will find out something marvellous...
Discover it at: www.orvietounderground.it
I just tell you that one of the most famous dish of Orvieto is the pigeon and after having visited the underground it will be easier for you to understand why.

Orvieto, as many other Umbrian town, is beautiful to observe in every details a great city has to offer. 

Don't miss it!!!