Italy: Tell Me all About Orvieto
Jan 8th, 2006, 10:31 AM
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Italy: Tell Me all About Orvieto
I've always wanted to stop here. Thought it would be nice when the crowds thin out and expect sunset to be a magical time.
Planning on staying one night enroute to Rome. Arriving via train from Pisa around 1500 and departing around 1300 the next day.
Looking for suggestions on a three star hotel (90-125E?) and moderate restaurants (20E per person excluding wine).
Rants and raves about what to see and do are also most welcome.
Planning on staying one night enroute to Rome. Arriving via train from Pisa around 1500 and departing around 1300 the next day.
Looking for suggestions on a three star hotel (90-125E?) and moderate restaurants (20E per person excluding wine).
Rants and raves about what to see and do are also most welcome.
Jan 8th, 2006, 12:08 PM
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Hi Degas. I stayed at the Corso in March '05, and would recommend it.
http://www.hotelcorso.net
Don't miss the tour of the etruscan caves.
http://www.hotelcorso.net
Don't miss the tour of the etruscan caves.
Jan 8th, 2006, 12:58 PM
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Orvieto, so glad you will have time to explore this beautiful town, sitting like a crown on it's tufa hill.
OK, you will never forget the images of the Last Judgement in the San Brizio Chapel by Signorelli in Orvieto's Duomo. It requires a separate ticket, and it is a must see. It is located near the right transept of the Duomo.
Just opposite, near the left transcept, is the chapel for the miraculous cloth from the miracle of Bolsano. (The whole reason the Duomo was reconstructed). There is an amazing reliquary in which the linen cloth is kept.
Across from the Duomo is an Etruscan museum which is well worth seeing. Also, from the museum staircase windows, you will get your best photos of the facade of the Duomo.
Have a great trip!
OK, you will never forget the images of the Last Judgement in the San Brizio Chapel by Signorelli in Orvieto's Duomo. It requires a separate ticket, and it is a must see. It is located near the right transept of the Duomo.
Just opposite, near the left transcept, is the chapel for the miraculous cloth from the miracle of Bolsano. (The whole reason the Duomo was reconstructed). There is an amazing reliquary in which the linen cloth is kept.
Across from the Duomo is an Etruscan museum which is well worth seeing. Also, from the museum staircase windows, you will get your best photos of the facade of the Duomo.
Have a great trip!
Jan 8th, 2006, 01:18 PM
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Holly, thanks for the hotel suggestion. It looks nice and the price seems reasonable.
SusanEva, sounds like you had a great time here. You made me curious, I'll have to research the miracle of Bolsano.
SusanEva, sounds like you had a great time here. You made me curious, I'll have to research the miracle of Bolsano.
Jan 8th, 2006, 01:29 PM
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massagediva, thanks for the recommendation. I might even knock the dust off my wallet for a real nice place at dinner in the evening, especially if it had a view.
Does anybody know if Orvieto is famous for any special dishes?
Does anybody know if Orvieto is famous for any special dishes?
Jan 8th, 2006, 03:41 PM
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Hi Degas,
We spent 3 nights at Palazzo Piccolomini, a 4*. Back then it was in the price range, now I doubt it, but it was very nice. It's at the opposite end of town from the Duomo.
Be sure to try Orvieto Classico!
Other things to see:
ancient well
Etruscan tombs excavation site below town
lots of wonderful art galleries and shops
If you are driving be sure to see nearby Civita di Bagnoreggio. Nice for a 1/2 day.
Another vote for the sottoterraneo tour. A highlight. Try to see the duomo from a distance when driving into/of of town. When the sun shines on the facade - WOW!
Buon viaggio!
We spent 3 nights at Palazzo Piccolomini, a 4*. Back then it was in the price range, now I doubt it, but it was very nice. It's at the opposite end of town from the Duomo.
Be sure to try Orvieto Classico!
Other things to see:
ancient well
Etruscan tombs excavation site below town
lots of wonderful art galleries and shops
If you are driving be sure to see nearby Civita di Bagnoreggio. Nice for a 1/2 day.
Another vote for the sottoterraneo tour. A highlight. Try to see the duomo from a distance when driving into/of of town. When the sun shines on the facade - WOW!
Buon viaggio!
Jan 8th, 2006, 05:17 PM
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Degas, when in Orvieto do order the wine of Orvieto..white wine! It is fantastic. The last time I was there facing the Duomo behind you and down the street on your left was a restaurant that the Lions Club met at. Fantastic food. Can't remember the name of the restaurant and not sure if it still there but if it is do check it out. You will see the Lions Club Symbol in their window.
You are going to have a wonderful trip in Italy..enjoy every moment! Look forward to your trip reports as you always do such a great job.
You are going to have a wonderful trip in Italy..enjoy every moment! Look forward to your trip reports as you always do such a great job.
Jan 8th, 2006, 06:12 PM
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Hotel Duomo would fit what you are looking for. It is just a few steps down from the Cathedral. It is attractively remodeled and has a reasonable price.Search on this page for more info about this hotel.
Be sure to go to this terracotte store/workshop. The potter is Alberto Bellini- he does amazing work. It is called La Corte dei Miracoli and is located at Laboratorio Piazza De Ranieri,13. Take your video camera so you can video his amazing sculptures. It is really fun to see and buy.
There is a very pleasant internet/cafe/candy shop where it is fun to go. It is located a couple of blocks from the Cathedral.Go down one of the streets leading opposite the church(your back would be to the church) and the cafe is on the large main street a block away.It was open late so we went after dinner. I believe we ate at the Etruscan.
Be sure to go to this terracotte store/workshop. The potter is Alberto Bellini- he does amazing work. It is called La Corte dei Miracoli and is located at Laboratorio Piazza De Ranieri,13. Take your video camera so you can video his amazing sculptures. It is really fun to see and buy.
There is a very pleasant internet/cafe/candy shop where it is fun to go. It is located a couple of blocks from the Cathedral.Go down one of the streets leading opposite the church(your back would be to the church) and the cafe is on the large main street a block away.It was open late so we went after dinner. I believe we ate at the Etruscan.
Jan 9th, 2006, 05:38 AM
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Hi degas,
I would sleep in the car and have lunch or dinner at I Sette Consoli, one of the best restaurants in the region.
Pzza Sant’Angelo 1A
phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911
Fixe prix lunch is 40E pp.
If it is warm weather, the garden is wonderful.
I would sleep in the car and have lunch or dinner at I Sette Consoli, one of the best restaurants in the region.
Pzza Sant’Angelo 1A
phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911
Fixe prix lunch is 40E pp.
If it is warm weather, the garden is wonderful.
Jan 9th, 2006, 05:59 AM
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We took a one day tour of Tuscany and Orvieto was where we spent most of the day and the place is magic.. We were there on a Sunday and (10/16) there was a revival in front of the church with music and dancing, along the sides were tents with breads, oils, cakes, etc. we then walked to the flea market through another local market and to the sunday flea market..We ate at Etrustcians.. and I think lamb is the specialty there.. wonderful.. Unfortunately, not enough time there, but we wandered the streets, went through the colorful shops, breathed the clear wonderful air.. and did some wine tasting along the way. Hope to return...
Jan 9th, 2006, 02:48 PM
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What are peoples' opinions about Orvieto as a daytrip from Rome in February? Sunday might best fit my Rome schedule, but I'd be concerned about shop, restaurant, and museum closings.
Thanks for any advice.
Thanks for any advice.
Jan 9th, 2006, 05:02 PM
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Kayd,
Orvieto is very easy as a day trip from Rome - BUT - late afternoon and evening are when it really gets good. Daytrippers are long gone and you can stroll with the locals. I would stay overnight, even if just for 1 night.
Buon viaggio!
Orvieto is very easy as a day trip from Rome - BUT - late afternoon and evening are when it really gets good. Daytrippers are long gone and you can stroll with the locals. I would stay overnight, even if just for 1 night.
Buon viaggio!
Jan 9th, 2006, 08:49 PM
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I didn't really spend a lot of time in Orvieto, but directly across the street from the duomo, there are some stone benches along the wall. You could sit there and just feast your eyes on the facade of the duomo all afternoon...
Jan 10th, 2006, 05:52 AM
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As others have suggested, Orvieto is a fantastic stopover. We were in a villa near Orvieto last summer and spent a day there. The duomo IS incredible. Copying from my trip report,
"The final, and perhaps most incredible, part of the inside of the Orvieto duomo, was the side chapel, the cappella nuova (a special, fee-added chapel) which was, apparently, the inspiration for Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The frescoes, started in 1499 by Signorelli and completed over a period of several years, depict doings of the Antichrist, hell, the crowning of the elect, the angels leading the elect to heaven and the entrance to hell, the resurrection of the flesh, and the destruction of the world."
As others have noted, the Etruscan archaeological museum across the piazza from the duomo is also great. We ate lunch at Ristorante dell’Ancora (Via di Piazza del Popolo, 7, Orvieto; http://www.vinit.net/cgi-bin/links/jump.cgi?ID=2368), which was delightful. We ate alfresco, with a nice antipasto, pasta and wine. The setting was beautiful – no view, but the vines overhead provided shade and cooling relief on a somewhat warm day, and the wait staff was attentive.
"The final, and perhaps most incredible, part of the inside of the Orvieto duomo, was the side chapel, the cappella nuova (a special, fee-added chapel) which was, apparently, the inspiration for Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The frescoes, started in 1499 by Signorelli and completed over a period of several years, depict doings of the Antichrist, hell, the crowning of the elect, the angels leading the elect to heaven and the entrance to hell, the resurrection of the flesh, and the destruction of the world."
As others have noted, the Etruscan archaeological museum across the piazza from the duomo is also great. We ate lunch at Ristorante dell’Ancora (Via di Piazza del Popolo, 7, Orvieto; http://www.vinit.net/cgi-bin/links/jump.cgi?ID=2368), which was delightful. We ate alfresco, with a nice antipasto, pasta and wine. The setting was beautiful – no view, but the vines overhead provided shade and cooling relief on a somewhat warm day, and the wait staff was attentive.
Jan 12th, 2006, 06:48 AM
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I always work a night or two in Orvieto into every trip to Italy and always look forward to visiting this very special city. It's just the right size for exploring on foot, the views from its hilltop location are beautiful, and the Duomo is spectacular.
The hotel Duomo, cited above, is very comfortable, but heads up--they will try to charge you in USD instead of Euro, a stealthy practice known as dynamic currency conversion. Let them know you want to be billed in Euro. If they don't comply, then dance on the counter.
I've also stayed at the Virgilio, which has rooms that look out over the piazza of the Duomo. I loved standing at the window late at night looking out at the moon-lit piazza and waking up to the fog shrouded view. The Virgilio decor is sort of retro and the breakfast is ho-hum, but the view on to the piazza is wonderful, so if you decide to stay there, be sure to ask for one of those rooms.
The hotel Duomo, cited above, is very comfortable, but heads up--they will try to charge you in USD instead of Euro, a stealthy practice known as dynamic currency conversion. Let them know you want to be billed in Euro. If they don't comply, then dance on the counter.
I've also stayed at the Virgilio, which has rooms that look out over the piazza of the Duomo. I loved standing at the window late at night looking out at the moon-lit piazza and waking up to the fog shrouded view. The Virgilio decor is sort of retro and the breakfast is ho-hum, but the view on to the piazza is wonderful, so if you decide to stay there, be sure to ask for one of those rooms.
Jan 12th, 2006, 07:21 AM
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Thanks for a great thread, Degas. Orvieto sounds like a beautiful place!
I was thinking of taking advice from another poster to drop our rental car in Orvieto and then train into Rome. I'm a little intimidated, because we usually drive and have never taken the trains. Our last drive into Rome was quite an adventure, to put a positive spin on it.
Any advice on how difficicult it would be to drive into Orvieto, return a rental car, see a bit of the highlights, and then take the train into Rome. We are a family of 4 with luggage. Would it really be easier? How much would it cost?
Thanks!
I was thinking of taking advice from another poster to drop our rental car in Orvieto and then train into Rome. I'm a little intimidated, because we usually drive and have never taken the trains. Our last drive into Rome was quite an adventure, to put a positive spin on it.
Any advice on how difficicult it would be to drive into Orvieto, return a rental car, see a bit of the highlights, and then take the train into Rome. We are a family of 4 with luggage. Would it really be easier? How much would it cost?
Thanks!
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:18 AM
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It is very easy. We have done it three times. We arrive in the late morning, spend a night in Orvieto and sightsee,and return the rental car and hop on the train to Rome and take a taxi to our Rome hotel.
