Skiing / 22.01.2024

Distance from Rome to Orvieto. Excursion from Rome to Orvieto and Bagnoregio - fabulous cities of Umbria. How much are low cost train tickets from Rome to Orvieto

Orvieto is a blessed town that is literally surrounded by greenery. Vineyards, magnificent nature, silence and harmony - these are the first impressions this place gives to most tourists. Despite the fact that it is small and all the sights can be viewed in one day if you have an active schedule, it is fraught with many mysteries and secrets. It seems that Orvieto has not changed at all since the times and all world processes and events are far from this bosom of nature and the kingdom of silence.

A little about history

8th - 3rd centuries BC: on the site of modern Orvieto there was an Etruscan city;

6th century AD: the bishopric was moved from Bolsena to Orvieto;

7th - 12th centuries: Orvieto was part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto and;

1290: construction of the cathedral;

13th - 14th centuries: Orvieto - residence of the Popes;

1860 - Orvieto becomes part of the united Kingdom of Italy.

How to get to Orvieto

You can easily travel by train. For example, between and runs, which just stops in Orvieto. The cost of a ticket from Rome to the Umbrian city is 7.10 euros one way. Upon arrival, you should take the funicular (1 euro one way) to directly reach the historical part of the city.

A few steps from the stop is one of the first attractions: St. Patrick's Well. It is located next to the Albornoz Fortress. In general, get ready for the fact that if you want to explore the city, you will have to go down to a decent depth more than once.

In general, in the city you can move along the main street, turning along the signs that will take you to all the attractions. The traffic pattern is simple: you just need to constantly move away from the funicular stop, moving towards the old part of the city.

St. Patrick's Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio)

Having bought a ticket at an affordable price, you go down the circular staircase. On the flyover you can stop and see how much is already behind, as well as down, where tourists are crowded on a kind of bridge. Construction of the well began in 1527, since it was in Orvieto that Pope Clement VII settled after the capture of Rome. According to the Pope's plan, the well was supposed to supply water to the Albornoz fortress. It is known that mules and donkeys went down one of the stairs, there the vessels were filled with water, the animals walked along a wooden bridge and went up the other stairs.

St. Patrick's Well is 62 meters deep and 13 meters wide. As you understand, there are 2 staircases that do not intersect with each other: one is intended for descending, and the other for ascending to the ground. Visitors are required to climb 248 steps.

Standing on a wooden bridge, you can’t help but notice how many coins are in the well. But what is even more amazing is that wasteful tourists leave much more expensive things there. The author of this article saw a cell phone there with his own eyes: apparently, someone was daydreaming and dropped the means of communication, or perhaps it was a visit to the well that made him think that something needs to be changed in life and it’s time to get rid of such devices altogether, which interfere with achieving harmony!

St. Patrick's Well. Inside view. Photo by Thinkstock

Albornoz Fortress

It was built by order of the Spanish Cardinal Albornoz. Already in the 19th century, the fortress was in poor condition, practically destroyed and abandoned. Today, all that remains of it is a round tower and a stone wall. A few steps away from the fortress there is a city park where a large number of local residents enjoy spending time. In the shade you can hide from the sun and think about pleasant things.

The preserved Albornoz fortress. orvietoonline.it

Cathedral (Il Duomo di Orvieto)

One of the main attractions for which you should definitely visit Orvieto is the cathedral. It is not surprising that most tourists first try to go, for example, to and see the local cathedral or to Florence. However, from personal experience I dare to judge that the striped Romanesque-Gothic cathedral in Orvieto is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Until now, I have never seen such a small square on which the Cathedral is located. You sit literally 5 meters from it, and you get the feeling that this majestic building seems to absorb you. Yes, for such a Duomo the area would be larger, but it is precisely this absurdity that makes it attractive.

Mysterious "striped" Cathedral. Photo: sanfrancesco.com

The central façade is a unique ensemble of all types of art; its frescoes create a synthesis of an exquisite and rich image. In turn, the side parts are made in black and white.

Back in the 12th century, there was a cathedral in Orvieto, but it was in poor condition. At the end of the 13th century, it was decided to build a new one. It was erected in memory of the legendary miraculous event that occurred in Bolsena. The fact is that in 1263, during the Mass, real blood splashed from the host, drops of which fell on the cover of the throne.

In 1310, work was completed on the main facade, made in the Gothic style. At one time, the famous Andrea Pisano, Andrea Orcagna, Michele Sanmicheli and Antonio da Sangalo the Younger took part in the construction of the Duomo. It is also worth noting another feature of the cathedral: the central part of the facade is wider and higher than the side ones, and there are also tabernacle turrets. The pilasters depict scenes from the book of Genesis, the “Tree of Jesse,” scenes from the “Annunciation” to the “Appearance of Christ to the Myrrh-Bearing Women.” Work on mosaics lasted until the 16th century. They tell the story from the birth of Mary to her Assumption (Ascension).

The interior of the Cathedral is simply amazing. Its main pearl is the painting of the Chapel of St. Briccius. The Chapel of San Brisio contains frescoes by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli's masterpiece "The Resurrection in the Flesh" (1499-1502).

Museum of Works of the Duomo (Museo dell "Opera del Duomo)

It is typical for European cathedrals to have a museum attached to them: works of sculpture and painting are collected there. The museum in Orvieto consists of several departments and is located in the Cathedral Square and in the Church of St. Augustine. The first floor of the Soliano Palace displays the works of the 20th century Italian sculptor Emilio Greco, and the second floor contains mainly a collection of medieval art: frescoes, utensils, and works of jewelers. By the way, if you immediately buy a ticket to visit the Duomo and the Museum with it, you can save a little.

A number of sights on the way to the Cathedral

From the Cathedral there is a beautiful view of the city's clock towers (Maurizio Tower and Del Moro Tower). The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle with its bell tower is simple, but very nice. However, the church has changed a lot since the 20th century.

Underground Orvieto

Before or after visiting the cathedral, the author of the article recommends that you go on a tour of underground Orvieto: tickets can be bought there in the square. As a result, the guide (there are international groups, most often tours are held in English and Italian) will tell you about underground caves that keep many secrets and are hidden from the eyes of the curious. Among the underground Orvieto, Hadrian's Grotto is particularly famous. Most of the caves were intended for storing and collecting rainwater and producing wine. In a number of rooms there are rectangular holes that seem to imitate a modern roof: pigeons laid eggs there. It is also known that a number of caves are still privately owned and therefore closed to the public. The whimsical patterns of the underground rooms amaze the imagination, and the dim lighting complements the intriguing atmosphere of the dungeon.

The grottoes are skillfully hidden in a large amount of greenery, which never ceases to amaze you. Under the shade of one of the trees you can wait for the heat, but it turns out that some 20 meters away, the entrance to the underground life of the city is hidden behind bars.

Underground Orvieto is breathtaking. Photo blog.panorama.it

Church of Saint Dominic (Chiesa di San Domenico)

It is located approximately 400 meters from the cathedral. It is considered the first church to be built by the Dominican Order. On the central facade there is a Gothic marble portal from the 13th century, and above it fragments of a fresco have been well preserved to this day. On it, artists depicted the Madonna and Child. It is impossible not to note the funeral chapel of Girolamo Petrucci, which was created according to the design of the sculptor Michele Sanmichele.

First Dominican Church. Photo fotoeweb.it

Palace of the Captain of the People (Palazzo del Popolo)

The palace is located approximately the same distance from the cathedral. It was created in the 13th century, and later the structure was enlarged by an attached tower. In different eras there were residences of captains of the people, a pawnshop, a school and a theater.

Well of Cava (Pozzo della Cava)

Moving further along the central street, you will come across the Kava district, which is a climb to the rock and the Great Gate to the city. You should not look for a separate well here; it is located inside one of the establishments. After walking through a not very deep well, which is more like a cave, you can get into a cozy restaurant and enjoy cool local wine and cuisine of the region in the heat. In general, the Kava region used to be a craft district, but it was famous not only for the works of craftsmen, but also for its taverns.

In the center of the city, another well disappeared behind the walls of a house. Photo: museiprovinciaterni.it

Abbey of the Saints of the North and Martirio (Abbazia dei Santi Severo e Martirio)

This attraction is located outside of Orvieto, approximately 3 km from the city. According to legend, the monastery was founded in the 6th century. From the 12th century, Benedictine monks began to settle here, and a tower and a church were erected under them. On the walls of the monastery there is a fresco depicting the Crucifixion with the saints present. Today there is a restaurant and a hotel on the territory of the abbey, but this does not affect the atmosphere of such a majestic place.

View of the monastery. Photo postecode.com

Necropolis of the Crucifixion made of tuff (Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo)

The necropolis of the Crucifixion made of tuff is located 700 meters northwest of the cathedral. According to data, its construction dates back to the 3rd century BC. A number of researchers claim that the necropolis resembles the plan of Orvieto itself. Today, about 70 tombs are open to the public. The first excavations here date back to the 19th century, and a number of valuable objects found their home in the Louvre and the British Museum. Since the Etruscans believed in life after death, they put things in tombs that they thought would be useful to the deceased, such as jewelry and mirrors.

ORVIETO CLASSICO

The vineyards, blessed by the sun, give its residents and visitors white wine ORVIETO CLASSICO.

It is made from local grape varieties: Trebbiano, Grechetto, Procanico. The traditions of wine production here are strong: according to legend, the first wines were produced here during the Etruscan times. And in the Middle Ages, they knew how to produce dessert wine, which contained the noble fungi Botrytis cinerea. The cool wine will go well with typical Umbrian dishes.

Wine from sun-warmed vineyards. Photo canino.info

From Orvieto you can quickly and easily reach other charming towns in the Umbria region. Orvieto will take an honorable place in the list of the best - full of harmony, silence and, perhaps, the most amazing Cathedral in Italy.

Note that it is best to travel to the opening of Orvieto and Umbria in a personal car. For travelers, the option is available to rent a car. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot. “Italy in Russian” advises you to turn to the services of the popular giant service Rentalcars, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Orvieto or one of the airports in Italy.
For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Orvieto with a Russian-speaking driver. You can select and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get to. Here you can order a transfer from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, in the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

If in Rome you have already managed to get acquainted with all the main attractions, as well as visit the wonderful and taste the cuisine and wines of Lazio in , then you definitely need to get out of the city into nature in the neighboring region - Umbria.
In Umbria you can enjoy incredibly beautiful forests, mountains and hills with vineyards and olive groves. The Italians themselves call this region the “green lungs of Italy”, or even the “green heart of Italy”. Therefore, here, unlike noisy Rome, we will walk a lot, admire the quiet streets, beautiful churches, the landscape that surrounds us, and we will definitely try the dishes and wines of this unusual region.

During our walk through the narrow streets of the city, I will tell you about the history of Orvieto, which begins in the distant 7th-3rd centuries. BC. You will learn what the ancient Romans and Etruscans called the city, what happened to it after the Romans destroyed the city to the ground, and how the city became what we see it now.
The real wonder worth traveling from Rome to Orvieto for is the city's cathedral - an incredible example of Italian Gothic with mosaics, reliefs and frescoes that perhaps inspired Michelangelo himself for his Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. those who have already visited will finally see the relic with their own eyes and learn the story that became the source of Raphael's fresco "Mass in Bolsena", painted for the chambers of Pope Julius II in the Vatican.

After exploring and lunch in Orvieto, we will go to the smallest and most beautiful town of Lazio - Bagnoregio. It is also called the “Dying City of Italy” due to the fact that officially less than 10 residents live in the city, and in winter the city’s inhabitants can really be counted on one hand!
For this day you

Get to know the Umbria region, the fabulous cities of Orvieto and Bagnoregio, their history (in moderate doses, since this is an excursion for pleasure and relaxation from Rome)
Get inspired by Umbrian cuisine– one of the best in the world. Here you will either have lunch in a home restaurant (not included), or there is the option of tasting the wines of the region (red from Montefalco and local white Orvieto Classico - whichever you prefer) with a cheese or meat plate.
See the main attractions: cathedral, observation deck, well of St. Patrick.

Organizational details

Start: at 8:30 am, any free date by agreement.
Duration: about 8-10 hours, along with the road we will spend almost the entire day outside the city, so it’s better not to plan anything else on this day.
Cost: 350 euros
Additional expenses: lunch/wine tasting of the Umbrian region and entrance tickets to the cathedral and museums of Orvieto are not included in the price of the excursion (tickets cost from 3 to 5 euros). The cost of the Rome-Orvieto train one way is 7.80 euros. A taxi from Orvieto-Bagnoregio-Orvieto will cost about 70 euros. Public transport costs are not included in the excursion price.
The Rome-Orvieto train departs from Termini station at 8.58, travel time is 1:15 minutes. This is the only convenient morning train to Orvieto, so you can’t be late. We return back to Rome at 17.00 or 19.00.

Transfer options to and from Orvieto:

16 euro/person per trainfrom Termini station. Travel time – 1 hour 15 minutes. Tickets cost 7.80 euros one way. Departure: strictly at 8.58 from Termini station. That is, the option of being late and going on the next one is excluded. The next low-cost regional train will be around 12 hours. Way back: options: 15.25 (arrival in Rome at 17.00) or 17.25 (arrival in Rome at 19.00).
350 euros for 1-3 people for a Mercedes E-Class, we will pick you up directly at the hotel and return it back to you.
450 euros for 4-7 people in a Mercedes minivan.

Thinking through our trip to Rome in advance, we decided that we would devote one day, and if possible, more, to some other city.

We chose between Viterbo, Tivoli, Bracciano and Orvieto. I don’t remember what justified our choice, but, as you might have guessed from the name, we chose Orvieto :)

We got there by train from Tiburtina station. The train was about 11 o'clock, and the tickets cost us 7.30 euros. The drive from Rome to Orvieto takes about 1.5 hours.