Exploring the Enchanting Medieval Town of Orvieto with My Husband

A Day of Discovery in Orvieto

Today was a day of exploration and immersion into the rich tapestry of Orvieto. With Hans by my side, I set out to uncover the historical layers of this enchanting town, from its imposing fortress to its ancient Etruscan roots. It was a day filled with breathtaking views, fascinating archaeological insights, and the simple joy of wandering through a place where history whispers around every corner.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Osteria del Grillo. The cozy atmosphere and the aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee were the perfect start to our explorations. I enjoyed a simple yet satisfying breakfast of bread, cheese and coffee, while Hans had a hearty omelet. I made a mental note to try to recreate their umbricelli pasta when we get back to Leipzig. It's always nice to bring a little piece of our travels back home with us.

Rocca Albornoziana: A Fortress with a View

Our first stop was the Rocca Albornoziana, the imposing fortress that stands guard over Orvieto. As we approached, its grandeur was immediately apparent. The fortress, built in the 14th century, has a commanding presence, and I could only imagine the countless historical events it has witnessed.


Explore the stunning Rocca Albornoziana in Orvieto, a historic fortress offering breathtaking views and rich cultural insights.
We walked through the public park within the venue, enjoying the peaceful environment. The views from the fortress walls were simply breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. I took several photos, trying to capture the vastness and beauty of the landscape. Hans, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the architecture and the strategic design of the fortress. He kept pointing out the various defensive features, explaining how they would have functioned in medieval times. It's wonderful to share these moments with him, seeing the world through his eyes as well as my own.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Campo Della Fiera: Unearthing the Past

Next on our itinerary was Campo Della Fiera, an archaeological site at the base of the Orvieto cliff. This site is believed by many to be the location of the Fanum Voltumnae, the religious center of the Etruscan civilization. As we walked through the area, I felt a sense of stepping back in time. The remnants of ancient temples, buildings, and roads were all around us.


Explore Campo Della Fiera, a captivating archaeological site in Orvieto, and uncover the rich history of ancient civilizations.
I found myself pondering the lives of the people who once walked these grounds. The Etruscans were such a sophisticated civilization, and it's humbling to see the traces they left behind. Hans was particularly interested in the engineering aspects of the site, examining the remains of the ancient roads and water systems. We spent a good hour exploring the site, reading the informative displays, and trying to piece together the story of this ancient place.

Anello della Rupe: A Walk Around the Rock

After immersing ourselves in history, we decided to take a walk along the Anello della Rupe, a path that circles the entire rock of Orvieto. This 5-kilometer trail offers a unique perspective of the town and its surroundings. The path is of medium-low difficulty, with some occasional steep ups and downs.


Discover the breathtaking Anello della Rupe in Orvieto, a scenic hiking area that combines stunning views with rich history in the heart of Italy.
We started our walk from Piazza Cahen, near the Fortezza Albornoz. As we followed the path, we passed through lush vegetation and ancient gates, with the imposing cliffs always on our left. The views were simply stunning, offering glimpses of the valley below and the unique geological formations of the area. The August sun was warm, but the occasional breeze kept us comfortable. It was a perfect day for a hike, and I was grateful for the opportunity to stretch my legs and breathe in the fresh Italian air.

Along the way, we encountered several points of interest, including the Etruscan tombs in the Necropolis del Crocifisso del Tufo. We also saw a small church built into a cave in the cliff, which had an interesting story about a US paratrooper taking shelter there during World War II. It's these little details that make a place come alive, connecting the past with the present.

The walk took us about 90 minutes, and by the end, we were both feeling invigorated and refreshed. It was a wonderful way to appreciate the natural beauty of Orvieto and to gain a different perspective on the town. We were ready for a good lunch!

Lunch at Trattoria la Palomba: A Taste of Umbria

For lunch, we chose Trattoria la Palomba, a restaurant known for its authentic Umbrian cuisine. The trattoria has been run by the Cinti family since 1965, and it has a charming, old-world atmosphere. We were greeted warmly by the staff and shown to a cozy table.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria la Palomba in Orvieto – where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
We started with bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, and a plate of local cheeses. For our main courses, I ordered the umbrichelli al tartufo, handmade pasta with black truffle. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the truffle added a rich, earthy flavor. Hans opted for the piccione alla leccarda, roasted pigeon with olives, capers, and rosemary. He said it was delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors. We washed it all down with a bottle of local Orvieto Classico wine, which was crisp and refreshing. The wine list enhances each course, balancing rustic flavors with elegant notes, making every sip memorable.

For dessert, I couldn't resist the panna cotta con i mirtilli, silky panna cotta with fresh blueberries. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. As we left the trattoria, we were both feeling satisfied and content. It was a true taste of Umbria, and I knew we would remember this meal for a long time.

Shopping at Polifemo Cuoio: A Leather Souvenir

Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to do a little shopping. I wanted to find a special souvenir to remind me of our time in Orvieto. We stumbled upon Polifemo Cuoio, a leather shop on Corso Cavour. The shop was filled with exquisite handcrafted leather goods, from bags and belts to wallets and bracelets.


Explore Polifemo Cuoio in Orvieto for exquisite handcrafted leather goods that celebrate Italian craftsmanship and tradition.
I was immediately drawn to a beautiful leather handbag, made from soft, high-quality leather. After some deliberation, I decided to buy it. It was a bit of a splurge, but I knew I would treasure it for years to come. Hans bought a small leather key chain as a memento of our visit. The artisan was very friendly and helpful, telling us about the history of the shop and the traditional techniques they use to create their leather goods. It was a pleasure to support a local business and to acquire something truly unique.

Dinner at Ristorante L'antica Rupe: A Perfect End to the Day

For dinner, we chose Ristorante L'antica Rupe, a restaurant known for its seafood and Neapolitan culinary traditions. The restaurant has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru, based on 1676 reviews. It's also featured in advisor Pierre selections.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Ristorante L'antica Rupe in Orvieto—where every pizza tells a story.
The entrance of the place is not the best but the staff is cordial and kind. We started with an antipasto, which was really super. For the main course, we chose pizza and tagliata. The pizza was really good, in Neapolitan style, and the tagliata was super good, cooked at the right point. For dessert, we had tiramisu, which was good. The price was honest, and we would return and recommend it without problems.

As we walked back to the Grand Hotel Italia, the streets of Orvieto were quiet and peaceful. The day had been a whirlwind of exploration and discovery, and I was feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful town with my husband. As we prepare for another day of exploration tomorrow, where we plan to visit the Etruscan Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo, the Palazzo dei Priori, and Piazza del Popolo, I am filled with anticipation for the new adventures that await.


Experience luxury and historic charm at the Grand Hotel Italia, located in the heart of Orvieto, just steps away from stunning attractions.
Tomorrow we are planning to visit the Necropoli etrusca di Crocifisso del Tufo, Palazzo dei Priori, and Piazza del Popolo. Before that, however, we are planning to have breakfast at Enoteca al Duomo, lunch at Trattoria la Grotta, and dinner at La Pergola Orvieto.

I am also very excited to perhaps visit the Orvieto Festival of Strings.

Before falling asleep, I took a moment to reflect on the day. Orvieto had surprised me with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. It was a place that had captured my heart, and I knew I would never forget my time here.

I am so grateful that Hans and I decided to take this trip, and I am looking forward to sharing more of our adventures with you in the days to come.