Orvieto: The Jewel on the Tufa Cliffs

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Scusami
  [skoo-sah/skoo-sah-mee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vah-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsa]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (soo-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ...)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Orvieto, known as Velzna in ancient times, was one of the major cities of the Etruscan civilization. The Etruscans, a sophisticated and mysterious people, established the city on a volcanic rock plateau for its strategic and defensive advantages. Evidence of their advanced engineering skills can still be seen in the remnants of ancient walls, tunnels, and necropolises like the Crocifisso del Tufo.

In the 3rd century BCE, the Romans conquered Orvieto, integrating it into the Roman Republic. The city, renamed Volsinii Novi, became an important center of Roman administration and culture. The construction of roads and aqueducts during this period significantly enhanced its connectivity and infrastructure.

During the Middle Ages, Orvieto flourished as a prosperous and independent commune. It became a prominent political and religious center, with the construction of the stunning Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo) beginning in 1290. This Gothic masterpiece, designed by architect Lorenzo Maitani, is renowned for its intricate façade and captivating frescoes by Luca Signorelli.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, Orvieto served as a refuge for several Popes during times of political turmoil in Rome. The city hosted the papal court and was the site where Pope Urban IV instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264. The Papal Palace (Palazzo Papale) from this era still stands as a testament to its ecclesiastical significance.

Orvieto experienced a cultural and architectural renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries. It saw the addition of many palaces, churches, and public buildings. The city continued to be an important regional power until the unification of Italy in the 19th century, which marked the end of its political autonomy and the beginning of its integration into the newly established Kingdom of Italy.

In the 20th century, Orvieto embraced tourism as a means of preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage. Efforts to restore and maintain its ancient structures have been ongoing, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers. Today, Orvieto is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural festivals, and its renowned white wine, Orvieto Classico.

Orvieto is located in the Umbria region of central Italy. The nearest major international airport is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino) in Rome, approximately 130 kilometers away. From Rome, you can take a direct train from Roma Termini station to Orvieto, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which takes roughly 1.5 hours via the A1 motorway.

Orvieto is a compact town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. The town has a funicular railway that connects the train station at the base of the hill to the old town at the top. Local buses are available for getting around the town and to nearby villages. Taxis are also readily available. If you plan to explore the surrounding region, renting a car can be convenient.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Orvieto. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the town where you can withdraw euros.

Orvieto is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always best.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number in Italy. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Orvieto. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't rush through your meal; dining is a leisurely affair in Italy.

To experience Orvieto like a local, visit the weekly market held every Thursday and Saturday morning near Piazza del Popolo, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals at small cafes and trattorias, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to explore the underground caves and tunnels of Orvieto, which offer a unique glimpse into the town's ancient past. Also, try the local white wine, Orvieto Classico, which is a regional specialty.