Orvieto, Italy

We left Rome and traveled through Umbria on our way to Orvieto.

The Umbria region is known for their crops of grapes, olives, and sunflowers and the production of oils and wines. 

Orvieto was a Roman city and a medieval city state on top of a hill with a road so narrow and steep that they offer free trolley rides from the bottom of the hill to the top. I was grateful for that on this warm day!

At the top of the hill, we found the Orvieto Cathedral.

Orvieto Cathedral was constructed beginning in 1290 AD on top of an ancient Estruscan temple.

The facade was begun in 1310 AD and the tallest spire was raised in 1503 AD, but was struck by lightening in 1795 AD and rebuilt.

The interior of the cathedral was covered in original frescoes, stained glass, and the striped marble design continued. 

Clock tower Tower of Maurizio has a 14th century bronze automaton who strikes at the top of each hour.

Torre del Moro named for the nearby mulberry trees. The birds were dancing around the tower all morning.