Orvieto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orvieto
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| Città di Orvieto | ||
Piazza della Repubblica.
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| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Umbria | |
| Province | Terni (TR) | |
| Frazioni | Bagni di Orvieto, Bardano, Baschi Scalo, Benano, Biagio, Botto di Orvieto, Canale di Orvieto, Canonica, Capretta, Ciconia, Colonnetta di Prodo, Corbara, Fossatello, Morrano, Orvieto Scalo, Osteria Nuova, Padella, Prodo, Rocca Ripesena, San Faustino, Sferracavallo, Stazione di Castiglione, Sugano, Titignano, Tordimonte, Torre San Severo | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 281 km2 (108 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 325 m (1,066 ft) | |
| Population
(May 31, 2008)
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| • Total | 21,043 | |
| • Density | 74.89/km2 (194.0/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Orvietani | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
05018
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| Dialing code | 0763 | |
| Patron saint | St. Joseph | |
| Saint day | March 19 | |
Orvieto is an amazing city in the Umbria region of central Italy. It sits on top of a large, flat hill made of volcanic rock. This makes it look like it's floating above the surrounding countryside. About 21,000 people lived there in 2008. The city has a very long and interesting history. It goes back to ancient times, even before the Romans.
Contents
Exploring Orvieto's Unique Location
Orvieto is famous for its dramatic position. The city's walls rise straight up from the volcanic rock cliff. This natural defense made it a very safe place in ancient times. You can see the city from far away as you approach. It's a truly unforgettable sight.
How Orvieto Was Formed
The hill Orvieto sits on is called a "tuff" cliff. Tuff is a type of rock made from volcanic ash. Millions of years ago, volcanoes in the area erupted. Over time, the ash hardened into this strong, light rock. The Paglia River and other streams slowly carved away the softer land around it. This left Orvieto's hill standing tall and separate.
A Glimpse into Orvieto's Past
Orvieto has a rich history that spans thousands of years. It was an important city for different groups of people. Each group left its mark on the city.
Ancient Etruscan Roots
Long before the Romans, the Etruscans lived here. They were an ancient civilization in Italy. Orvieto was one of their major cities. They built temples and homes on the hilltop. They also dug many tunnels and caves into the soft rock below. These underground passages were used for storage and escape routes.
Roman and Medieval Times
The Romans later took over the city. After the Roman Empire fell, Orvieto became an important town in the Middle Ages. It was often a safe place for Popes during times of trouble. This connection to the Popes led to the building of some of Orvieto's most famous landmarks.
Must-See Sights in Orvieto
Orvieto is full of incredible places to visit. From grand cathedrals to secret underground tunnels, there's something for everyone.
The Magnificent Orvieto Cathedral
The Orvieto Cathedral is one of Italy's most beautiful churches. It took almost 300 years to build! Construction started in 1290. Its front, called the facade, is covered in sparkling mosaics and detailed sculptures. These tell stories from the Bible. Inside, you'll find stunning frescoes, which are paintings done on wet plaster.
St. Patrick's Well: A Masterpiece of Engineering
The Pozzo di S. Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well) is an amazing piece of engineering. It was built in the 1500s by order of Pope Clement VII. The Pope needed a reliable water source in case the city was under siege. The well is 53 meters (174 feet) deep. It has two spiral staircases that never meet. This allowed donkeys to go down one staircase to collect water and come up the other without bumping into each other. You can walk down and experience this unique design yourself!
Orvieto Underground: A Hidden World
Beneath the city streets lies a secret world. The "Orvieto Underground" is a network of caves, tunnels, and passages. Many of these were dug by the Etruscans thousands of years ago. Later, people used them as cellars, olive oil presses, and even pigeon coops. Exploring these underground spaces gives you a unique look into the city's past.
Life in Orvieto Today
Orvieto is not just a city of history. It's a vibrant place where people live and work. The city is known for its local crafts and delicious food.
Local Culture and Traditions
The people of Orvieto, called Orvietani, are proud of their city. They celebrate many traditional festivals throughout the year. The city also has a strong connection to art and music. You can often find local artists selling their work in the charming narrow streets.
Food and Wine
Orvieto is in a famous wine region. The local white wine, Orvieto Classico, is very popular. You can also enjoy traditional Umbrian dishes here. These often include fresh pasta, truffles, and local meats. There are many small shops and restaurants where you can taste these local specialties.
Images for kids
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Facade of the Orvieto Cathedral.
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The site of Orvieto was once an Etruscan acropolis.
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A narrow vicolo
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San Giovenale.
See also
In Spanish: Orvieto para niños
