Once you’ve seen central Italy, you’ll understand why this region has been fought over for so long. Follow the ancient route that many have taken before as you travel from Rome to Orvieto (but this time much faster than a donkey or on foot!).

Orvieto is right in the middle of Florence and Rome along the A1 highway, making it a popular day trip from either city. Schedule a couple of stops to other towns for the most enriching experience. The drive takes about 90 minutes and will take you past other Central Italian wonders like the dying town of Civita di Bagnoregio!

Let Daytrip handle the details and the driving so you can relax and enjoy your Italian road trip. Buon viaggio!

Much like an Italian lasagna, Orvieto’s underground shows its layers of history. Over 2,500 years ago, Etruscans dug thousands of caves that were used to access water, store wine and food, and even breed pigeons. It was a significant Etruscan urban center, but the Romans conquered it in 264 BC.

Orvieto and Catholicism

Throughout the medieval period, Orvieto flourished as a significant religious center for Catholicism, becoming a prominent episcopal see or seat of the Bishop. In times of conflict with Rome, it was a refuge for several Popes. It was also here that Pope Urban IV established the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264.

This hill town’s defensive advantage made it a vital stronghold during various conflicts and transfers of power after the fall of Rome. The construction of the Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto) in the 13th century underscored its significance to the Catholic community.

Why we can’t get enough of Orvieto

Today, visitors are drawn to Orvieto for the Duomo di Orvieto, known for its striking facade and the awe-inspiring frescoes. The city's unique underground network, Orvieto Sotterranea, is a labyrinth of caves and tunnels used since Etruscan times for food and wine storage.

Additionally, St. Patrick’s Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio) is an engineering marvel for its time with its double-helix staircase and incredibly deep well. Its short distance from Florence and Rome makes it a great day trip from either city.

Do the math before purchasing the Carta Unica

The Carta Unica is $27 (€25) per person and includes entry into the 9 main attractions in Orvieto at no extra cost. It seems like an easy way to save money, but do the math first to see if you will have enough time to see enough attractions to offset the price.

It may be cheaper to pay the individual entry fees to places like St. Patrick’s Well, priced at $5.40 (€5), or the National Archaeological Museum for $4.30 (€4), especially if you are only doing a day trip from Rome to Orvieto. The card includes discounts on some restaurants and hotels, so it is geared more towards overnight visitors.

Rome to Orvieto with a private driver

Traveling from Rome to Orvieto with a private driver is the most convenient and customizable way to travel. Your driver will pick you up from your address in Rome and even help with any of your luggage.

On the way, you can make sightseeing stops at important central Italian sites like Tivoli and Caprarola. Get more out of your trip and learn about other hill towns in the area!

Once you arrive in Orvieto, you will be able to start exploring right away without worrying about parallel parking, securing your car, or being on time to refill the parking meter. It’s travel made easy! Secure a seat for just $82 (€76).

Rome to Orvieto by train

To get to Orvieto by train, start at the Roma Termini station. From here, Trenitalia has more than 10 direct trains per day to Orvieto. The trip takes about 90 minutes and costs $10.75 (€10). Due to the frequency of the trains, you do not need to buy a ticket ahead of time.

Even though the trains leave almost hourly, check the timetable before heading to the station so you are not rushing for a train or having to wait a needless amount of time.

Rome to Orvieto by bus

Although Orvieto is not far from Rome, there are currently no convenient or direct buses operating this route. The timetables for Flixbus only include one evening bus, even during the busy season. For this trip, you will need to take a car or ride the train.

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

Well, well, well, you can’t leave Orvieto without seeing this feat of engineering! Descend the double-helix staircase of this remarkable 16th-century well. During the fall of Rome, Pope Clement VII ordered this well to be dug 177 ft (54 m) into the volcanic rock so Orvieto would have water during sieges- all without modern equipment.

The staircases were designed so a continuous train of donkeys could descend to get water and ascend with full buckets without causing a traffic jam on the steps. This well has even made it into the Italian language: when something is neverending, they say, “It is like the well of St. Patrick.”

Duomo di Orvieto (Orvieto Cathedral)

The Orvieto Cathedral is so grandiose and ornate that it seems almost out of place amidst the narrow, winding alleys of Orvieto. Construction began in the 1200s and took 300 years to complete, but it was worth the wait! The cathedral’s intricate facade is a marvel of medieval craftsmanship, adorned with elaborate sculptures and mosaics that tell biblical stories.

The Chapel of San Brizio within the cathedral is particularly noteworthy for its dramatic Renaissance frescoes by Luca Signorelli. These frescoes are celebrated for their vivid detail and emotional depth. They depict apocalyptic scenes and the Last Judgment with a realism and intensity that leave a lasting impression on visitors. The longer you admire them, the more details emerge from the paintings.

If your trip is on a Sunday, be aware that the Duomo is open to visitors only in the afternoon due to the morning Mass.

Torre del Moro (Moro Tower)

Orvieto isn’t just known for its depths! Ascend to new heights at the Torre del Moro. This 155-foot-tall (47-m) clock tower was built in the 1200s to monitor the area for invasions, but today, you can use it for that perfect panorama pic!

You will also avoid the peak summer crowds and have a more tranquil, authentic experience of this enchanting Italian town.

If you are visiting in the summer, wear sunscreen and drink lots of water to stay healthy and comfortable. The sun is most intense from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so schedule indoor activities during this period. Maybe even the Orvieto Underground tour?