Visit Orvieto and the surrounding area

Orvieto stands in a commanding position on a plateau of volcanic origin, the famous tuff cliff, which rises above the valley of the River Paglia. The site’s distinctive shape protected the city for centuries and influenced its urban development, creating a unique relationship between the historic centre, the surrounding landscape and the extensive underground world.

The settlement dates back to at least the 9th–8th centuries BC. The cliff was gradually occupied by the Etruscans and became a wealthy and powerful city, generally identified with ancient Velzna, known as Volsinii in Latin sources. From the 6th century BC, the city enjoyed a period of particular prosperity and played an important role in the political and religious life of Etruria.

After the Roman conquest in 264 BC, the city entered a long period of transformation. During the Middle Ages, the cliff once again became a strategic and fortified site. The present name Orvieto is traditionally linked to the medieval expression Urbs Vetus, meaning “old city”, which gradually changed in everyday speech until it became Orvieto.

Today the city preserves evidence from all these periods. Walking through the historic centre, you will encounter the Cathedral, civic palaces, medieval churches and the oldest neighbourhoods; underground, wells, cisterns, tunnels and caves reveal more than two thousand years of life on the cliff.

By staying at B&B Il Terrazzo, you can easily reach the historic centre, visit the main monuments and organise excursions to Civita di Bagnoregio, Lake Bolsena and other destinations in Umbria and northern Lazio.