wandl02

I'm taking a train from Florence to Rome and have arranged a 5 hour stopover in Orvieto. What can and should I do there for the 5 hours?

Lesli

It's been a few years since I've been to Orvieto, but since you have to take the tram and then the bus to and from the train station, be sure to allow time for that on each end. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/orvieto/2562020009.html

Orvieto's Duomo is magnificent; I spent close to an hour just gazing at the frescos in the Cappella di San Brizio. The facade, with gold 17th- to 19th-century mosaics and intricate Gothic stone detailing everywhere is spectacular, especially if you catch it in the right light.

There is a small archeological museum, and several other "sights"; check the Destinations section here and: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/orvieto/

You can also just relax and enjoy some of the local wine at the Cantina Foresi (Piazza Duomo) or another enoteca/trattoria in the town. I bought gifts of locally made dark chocolate from a shop on the main street that was beautifully wrapped in pastel-colored foil with gold cord tied around it; by far the most elegant stocking stuffers I've given yet!

Have a wonderful trip.

HowardR

In your planning,just remember that the duomo closes for at least two hours in the afternoon! It would be a shame if you missed getting inside.

uncle_sam

Be certain to eat at Trattoria Etruscan...their pasta withwild boar is outstanding!

Also get a gellato across the piaza from the cathedral.

US

Michael

See the outside of the Duomo in the setting sun. There is also the well with the double ramp said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci (?).

MFNYC

There's also the orvieto underground tour. There's a network of underground passageways and caves beneath the city. it takes about an hour. For more info see http://www.italyfarmhousesrental.com/orvietounder.htm

gomarciago

Wonder all the little back streets- they were fascinating to my friend and I. Also, if you are there in the evening the passagetta(sp?) is an interesting experience. That is, where in the evening, absolutely everyone pours out of their homes and all of a sundden the streets fill with people out strolling. Apparently this is the time to "see and be seen" and to connect with neighbors and friends.

rozium

Good evening, have to second the
trattoria ETRUSCIA, VIA mAITAMI,10
it is just a half block down the street
opposite the front of the Duomo. This
is the main attraction and if you have
a nice dray spend a little of time walking around the town, it is interesting... Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

KayF

Dont' miss the Duomo - an absolute must! You can also climb the bell/clock tower (lift part of the way) for a small fee - great views over Orvieto at the top. The quiet back streets are very atmospheric.
Kay

gocats2002

Orvieto is also famous for its lace. Check out Duranti, Via del Duomo 10. Be sure to look in a guide book, as, in five hours, you want to be sure to make the best use of your time and see the things that interest you the most. It's a picturesque town with lots of atmosphere.