# Orvieto A day trip from Rome by train: the mosaic cathedral, St Patrick's Well and the caves under the city, an hour and a quarter away. Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/umbria/orvieto · Revisado: 2026-11-12 Orvieto rises on a crag of volcanic tuff in southern Umbria, already outside Lazio but on the Rome–Florence train line. It's the day trip from Rome that is best done without a car: the train drops you at the foot of the rock, a funicular takes you up and at the top you have one of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals, a 54-metre well with a double staircase and an entire city of caves dug beneath the houses. ## What can you see in Orvieto in a day? The cathedral. The façade of golden mosaics can be seen from afar and doesn't disappoint up close. Inside, the San Brizio chapel holds Luca Signorelli's frescoes of the end of the world, from the early 16th century. Allow an hour and a half. Entry costs €8 with an audio guide. Underground Orvieto. A one-hour guided visit through the caves, cisterns and dovecotes dug in the tuff, leaving from opposite the cathedral. Four sessions a day; in Spanish, if you book. St Patrick's Well. Next to where the funicular arrives. It was commissioned by a pope who took refuge in Orvieto after the sack of Rome in 1527: two spiral ramps that never cross and 248 steps down to the water. With time, climb the Torre del Moro, go down the Pozzo della Cava and enter the Claudio Faina Etruscan museum, opposite the cathedral. If you're going to see three or more things, the Carta Unica, at €35, includes almost everything and is valid for a year. ## How do you get there from Rome? By train, from Roma Termini on the Florence line: regional and intercity trains stop at Orvieto, at the foot of the crag. Opposite the station the funicular leaves, climbing in a few minutes to Piazza Cahen, next to St Patrick's Well. From there, a quarter of an hour on foot along Corso Cavour to the cathedral. By car, about 120 km on the A1 motorway, Orvieto exit: around an hour and a half from Rome. Don't drive up to the centre, which has restricted access: leave the car below and go up by funicular, or in the car park your hotel suggests. From Spain, you fly to Rome Fiumicino and continue by train, or to Florence if you're combining with Tuscany: Orvieto is on the same line. ## How much time do I need? One day covers the cathedral, the underground tour, the well and a stroll. With a night, you see the façade in the afternoon light, when the day trippers leave, and the next day you can go to Civita di Bagnoregio, half an hour away by car or by COTRAL bus from the station. ## When to go? In spring and autumn. In summer the centre heats up at midday, though the caves and wells are cool. Note on Sundays: the cathedral admits tourist visits only from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 13:00, because of Masses. In winter it closes at 17:00. ## Where to eat and sleep? La Palomba is the long-standing trattoria, opened in 1965, with homemade umbrichelli; it closes on Wednesdays. I Sette Consoli is the more refined table, with a garden and views of the cathedral in summer. For sleeping, the Hotel Corso is by the funicular, the Palazzo Piccolomini in a palace in the centre, and Villa Ciconia, down below, has a pool and parking. ## Dónde está - Cerca: Civita di Bagnoregio (a 10.1 km), Lake Bolsena and Tuscania (a 23.0 km), Viterbo and Villa Lante (a 33.6 km), Caprarola and Bomarzo (a 35.9 km) ## Qué hacer - **Orvieto Cathedral and the San Brizio Chapel** (1 h 30 · All ages; under-11s free · 8): What it is Orvieto Cathedral was begun at the end of the 13th century, and its façade, covered in golden mosaics, reliefs and a rose window, is one of the loveliest in Italy. Inside, the interior of white and black bands leads to the San Brizio Chapel, with the end-of-the-world cycle that Fra Angelico began in 1447 and Luca Signorelli finished between 1499 and 1504: the Antichrist, the resurrection of the flesh, the damned. It is one of the great works of the Renaissance and the reason to go in. Opening times and tickets It is open every day from 9:30. It closes at 17:00 from November to February, at 19:00 from March to May and in October, and at 20:00 from June to September. On Sundays and public holidays it can only be visited from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 16:30 in winter, or until 17:30 from March to October. Tickets cost €8 with an audioguide and include the cathedral, the Emilio Greco museum and the underground areas; with the Claudio Faina Etruscan museum, €11. Under-11s do not pay. It is closed on 1 January 2027 and on 30 May 2027, Corpus Christi. - **St Patrick's Well** (45 min · From age 6, with good legs; 248 steps): A 54-metre well that Pope Clement VII ordered dug in 1527, when he took refuge in Orvieto after the Sack of Rome, to secure the water supply in case of siege. Antonio da Sangallo the Younger designed it with two spiral ramps, one for going down and one for coming up, which never cross, lit by 72 windows. There are 248 steps down to the water and as many back up. It is next to the upper funicular station, on Piazza Cahen, and is included in the Carta Unica. The ticket office is on the same square. - **Underground Orvieto: guided tour of the tuff caves** (1 h · All ages · Desde 10 € per person): What it is Orvieto sits on a crag of volcanic tuff, a soft stone that is easy to dig, and for centuries its inhabitants dug beneath their houses: cisterns, wells, cellars, quarries, mills and dovecotes. The Orvieto Underground tour covers part of that labyrinth, with views of the valley from the caves opened in the face of the crag. What the tour is like It lasts an hour and leaves from the ticket office at Piazza Duomo, 23, every day at 11:00, 12:15, 16:00 and 17:15, except 25 December. It costs €10 (€8 for students, seniors and large groups). It is given in Italian; in Spanish, if you ask in advance. In summer and at weekends, book at least the day before by phone or email. - **Climb the Torre del Moro** (40 min · From age 6; stairs): The Torre del Moro rises at the crossing of Corso Cavour and Via del Duomo, in the centre of the city. From the top you can see all of Orvieto: the rooftops, the cathedral, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the countryside around the crag. It is included in the Carta Unica; check the times in the Carta Unica opening-hours section before you go. - **Pozzo della Cava** (40 min · All ages): In the western part of Orvieto, beneath a private house, you can visit a well of Etruscan origin enlarged in the 16th century and a series of caves with kilns, cisterns and remains of pottery. It is a self-guided visit, shorter and quieter than the guided underground tour, and a good way to round off a walk through the medieval quarter. It is included in the Carta Unica. - **Claudio Faina Etruscan Museum** (1 h · Adults and teenagers): Opposite the cathedral façade, in a palace on the square, the Faina family collection brings together Greek and Etruscan pottery, bronzes and pieces from the necropolises of Orvieto, which was one of the great Etruscan cities. With the cathedral ticket it costs €3 more (€11 for both); it is also included in the Carta Unica. ## Dónde comer - **Trattoria La Palomba** (Restaurant, Orvieto, €). Qué pedir: home-made umbrichelli with the sauce of the day - **I Sette Consoli** (Restaurant, Orvieto, €€€). Qué pedir: the seasonal menu and, with dessert, a late-harvest Orvieto Classico Superiore ## Car-free: Without a car: train and funicular Orvieto is one of the easiest towns to do without a car: the train from Rome drops you at the foot of the crag and the funicular takes you up to the centre in a few minutes. Everything else is on foot. Presupuesto orientativo: 70–180 € por persona y día. ### Dónde dormir without a car - **Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini** (Hotel): A papal palace in the centre The hotel occupies the Piccolomini palace, home of the family of Popes Pius II and Pius III, in the historic centre of Orvieto, and the adjoining Ranieri palace, with its medieval tower. It is a four-star hotel with free wifi throughout the building, a breakfast room, bar, wine cellar, reading and television rooms, a fitness and wellness area and meeting rooms. The rooms There are 21 doubles, one family room, a studio, seven junior suites and several suites with names of their own: Monaldeschi, Febei and the Ranieri, of 70 m², in the palace's great hall. All have air conditioning, television, safe and minibar; there are adapted bathrooms. Some preserve wooden ceilings and frescoes. Getting there and parking From the station, take the funicular up and continue on foot along Corso Cavour. By car, the hotel has supervised parking: ask when you book how to get there, because the centre has restricted access. - **Hotel Corso** (Hotel): A simple hotel close to the funicular Hotel Corso is a three-star hotel at Corso Cavour, 339, the main street of Orvieto, near the Porta Rocca and the upper funicular station. The cathedral is about 400 metres away and St Patrick's Well about 500. It has double, triple and family rooms, and a terrace over the street. What is included Buffet breakfast is included. Dinner can be arranged at an affiliated restaurant. One small or medium-sized pet per room is allowed, not permitted in the common areas, with a cleaning surcharge. You can pay in cash or by card. Getting there and parking Without a car, it is one of the most convenient: from the train to the funicular, a three-minute ride and a short walk. With a car, you can unload your luggage at the door and leave it in the covered pay car park on Via Roma, a few tens of metres away, or in a garage about 100 metres away. ### Servicios - **Funicular from the station to Piazza Cahen**: Links the railway station with Piazza Cahen, at the top of the crag, next to St Patrick's Well. - **Orvieto railway station**: Station on the Rome–Florence line at Orvieto Scalo, at the foot of the crag, with the funicular opposite. ## By car: By car: Orvieto and the Tuscia With a car, Orvieto is the perfect stop on the A1 motorway between Rome and Florence, and the base for Civita di Bagnoregio and Lake Bolsena. Do not drive up into the centre: the old town has restricted access. Presupuesto orientativo: 80–190 € por persona y día. ### Dónde dormir if you're driving - **Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini** (Hotel): A papal palace in the centre The hotel occupies the Piccolomini palace, home of the family of Popes Pius II and Pius III, in the historic centre of Orvieto, and the adjoining Ranieri palace, with its medieval tower. It is a four-star hotel with free wifi throughout the building, a breakfast room, bar, wine cellar, reading and television rooms, a fitness and wellness area and meeting rooms. The rooms There are 21 doubles, one family room, a studio, seven junior suites and several suites with names of their own: Monaldeschi, Febei and the Ranieri, of 70 m², in the palace's great hall. All have air conditioning, television, safe and minibar; there are adapted bathrooms. Some preserve wooden ceilings and frescoes. Getting there and parking From the station, take the funicular up and continue on foot along Corso Cavour. By car, the hotel has supervised parking: ask when you book how to get there, because the centre has restricted access. - **Hotel Villa Ciconia** (Small hotel): A Renaissance villa beneath the crag Villa Ciconia is a 16th-century villa attributed to Ippolito Scalza, the architect and sculptor who was master builder of Orvieto Cathedral from 1567 and the author of its Pietà. It stands on the plain, a few minutes by car or funicular from the centre, surrounded by a park with large trees. What it offers A pool in the park, free parking and buffet breakfast included, which on fine days is served outside. The rooms are all on the first floor and there is no lift, because the building is listed. The restaurant is closed while new management is sought: reception will tell you where to dine nearby. Who it suits For those travelling by car who want a quiet night's sleep, with a pool in summer, without driving into the centre. A good base for combining Orvieto with Civita di Bagnoregio. ## By plane: Fly to Rome and take the train to Orvieto For Orvieto you fly to Rome: Fiumicino has direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and many other Spanish cities, and Ciampino from several. Orvieto is on the Rome–Florence railway line, so you can reach it from the city without a car; by car, it is about 120 km on the A1 motorway. ### Dónde dormir if you're flying - **Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini** (Hotel): A papal palace in the centre The hotel occupies the Piccolomini palace, home of the family of Popes Pius II and Pius III, in the historic centre of Orvieto, and the adjoining Ranieri palace, with its medieval tower. It is a four-star hotel with free wifi throughout the building, a breakfast room, bar, wine cellar, reading and television rooms, a fitness and wellness area and meeting rooms. The rooms There are 21 doubles, one family room, a studio, seven junior suites and several suites with names of their own: Monaldeschi, Febei and the Ranieri, of 70 m², in the palace's great hall. All have air conditioning, television, safe and minibar; there are adapted bathrooms. Some preserve wooden ceilings and frescoes. Getting there and parking From the station, take the funicular up and continue on foot along Corso Cavour. By car, the hotel has supervised parking: ask when you book how to get there, because the centre has restricted access. - **Hotel Corso** (Hotel): A simple hotel close to the funicular Hotel Corso is a three-star hotel at Corso Cavour, 339, the main street of Orvieto, near the Porta Rocca and the upper funicular station. The cathedral is about 400 metres away and St Patrick's Well about 500. It has double, triple and family rooms, and a terrace over the street. What is included Buffet breakfast is included. Dinner can be arranged at an affiliated restaurant. One small or medium-sized pet per room is allowed, not permitted in the common areas, with a cleaning surcharge. You can pay in cash or by card. Getting there and parking Without a car, it is one of the most convenient: from the train to the funicular, a three-minute ride and a short walk. With a car, you can unload your luggage at the door and leave it in the covered pay car park on Via Roma, a few tens of metres away, or in a garage about 100 metres away. - **Hotel Villa Ciconia** (Small hotel): A Renaissance villa beneath the crag Villa Ciconia is a 16th-century villa attributed to Ippolito Scalza, the architect and sculptor who was master builder of Orvieto Cathedral from 1567 and the author of its Pietà. It stands on the plain, a few minutes by car or funicular from the centre, surrounded by a park with large trees. What it offers A pool in the park, free parking and buffet breakfast included, which on fine days is served outside. The rooms are all on the first floor and there is no lift, because the building is listed. The restaurant is closed while new management is sought: reception will tell you where to dine nearby. Who it suits For those travelling by car who want a quiet night's sleep, with a pool in summer, without driving into the centre. A good base for combining Orvieto with Civita di Bagnoregio. ### Servicios - **Funicular from the station to Piazza Cahen**: Links the railway station with Piazza Cahen, at the top of the crag, next to St Patrick's Well. - **Orvieto railway station**: Station on the Rome–Florence line at Orvieto Scalo, at the foot of the crag, with the funicular opposite. ## As a family: Caves, wells and a tower Children like Orvieto because there is so much underground: caves, wells and spiral staircases. Everything is on foot and the funicular is already an attraction. ### What works best St Patrick's Well: down 248 steps on one ramp and back up another without meeting anyone Underground Orvieto, an hour of caves with a guide The Torre del Moro, to see the city from above The Pozzo della Cava, short and self-guided ### Where to stay Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, with a family room Hotel Villa Ciconia, with a pool and park ### Where to eat La Palomba, a family trattoria with home-made pasta I Sette Consoli, with a garden in summer ### Good to know Under-10s do not pay for the Carta Unica, and under-11s enter the cathedral free The wells have lots of steps: there is no room for pushchairs ### Qué hacer as a family - Orvieto Cathedral and the San Brizio Chapel - St Patrick's Well - Underground Orvieto: guided tour of the tuff caves - Climb the Torre del Moro - Pozzo della Cava ## With teenagers: Etruscans, popes and the end of the world Teenagers get hooked on Orvieto by Signorelli's end-of-the-world frescoes and by the city dug out beneath it. ### What works best The San Brizio Chapel, with the damned and the Antichrist Underground Orvieto, with a guide St Patrick's Well, with its double staircase The Claudio Faina museum, for the Etruscans ### Where to stay Hotel Corso, in the centre, so they can get around on their own Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini ### Where to eat La Palomba, home-made umbrichelli I Sette Consoli ### Good to know The Carta Unica costs €25 for over-10s: it pays off if you will see three or four sites ### Qué hacer with teenagers - Orvieto Cathedral and the San Brizio Chapel - St Patrick's Well - Underground Orvieto: guided tour of the tuff caves - Climb the Torre del Moro - Claudio Faina Etruscan Museum ## Consejos ### Go up by funicular Even if you're driving, leave the car below: the funicular is quick and saves you looking for parking. ### Book the underground tour In summer and at weekends, at least the day before, and ask for the Spanish session. ### Avoid the cathedral on Sundays from 11:00 to 13:00 There are no visits during Mass. ### Look at the façade at sunset The mosaics light up with the setting sun. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### How do I get from Rome to Orvieto? By train from Roma Termini on the Florence line and, from the station, by funicular to the centre. By car, about 120 km on the A1. ### How much does the cathedral cost? €8 with an audio guide, cathedral, Emilio Greco museum and underground areas. With the Claudio Faina museum, €11. Under-11s don't pay. ### Is the Carta Unica worth it? Yes if you're going to see three or more sites: €35, or €25 reduced, with the cathedral, the underground tour, the wells and the Torre del Moro. ### Can you combine it with Civita di Bagnoregio? Yes. Civita is about half an hour by car; without a car, there are COTRAL buses from Orvieto station. ### Are there Spanish-language tours of underground Orvieto? Yes, if you book in advance. ### Is the cathedral open on Sundays? Yes, from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 16:30 in winter, or to 17:30 from March to October.