Final Days - Europe 2016

Final Days

Orvieto - A Special Small Italian Hill Town

We’ve seen the city lights for over three weeks, so we are ready for a great small hill town and the Italian countryside.  Orvieto is only a two hour train ride from Florence, and it’s got three things we really like: unique history, great food, and photo ops out the kazoo.

Prior to the Romans, the Etruscans founded the first Orvieto because it is  easy to defend.  So much of human history is about survival as well as culture.  Orvieto is perched on a very steep hill which commanded a great view in all directions and also made access very difficult from below during hostilities.

Even when you’re within the city walls, it’s hilly and picturesque.

Years ago when we were here, we took a tour of the caves of Orvieto.  This trip, we explored the city well.  Being on a fortified hilltop doesn’t reprieve you of needing water.  Hundreds and hundreds of years ago (1527), the Pope of that time commissioned the well’s construction.  Back in the day, the Pope occasionally had to flee Rome to save his skin, and Orvieto was a safe haven.  The well is quite wide (40 feet) and is almost 200 feet deep.  

It has two independent staircases, each with stairs long enough and wide enough to accommodate donkeys once used to haul the water.  Windows cut into the wall of the well provide light to the stairs.  The well still has water but is only used for tourism.  The green in the following picture shows where water condenses and then supports life.

Orvieto seems to remain in the beautiful past.  This is one town that walking the streets is rewarded.

The streets are narrow so it’s best enjoyed by walking.  Notice how even without a front yard, some Italians show imagination in presenting a beautiful home.

I wondered what street address this fine looking dwelling would have.

When past Popes visited Orvieto, they had a significant cathedral for their use.  The paintings on this cathedral almost look brand new.

Our hotel was little more than a stones throw from the Duomo.  We got a lovely suite this trip for 140 euros, and it included breakfast.  We ran across the hotel owner at the sitting area in front of the Duomo at twilight.  He almost always has a smile on his face.

Shari could be smiling about the dinner we just had.  Even though Orvieto is small, there are several very good eateries here.  One of our favorite dishes is pici, and the one pictured was the best we’ve had on our month long trip.

We learned how to make this pasta during our Italian cooking school, but we can’t really duplicate either the irregularly shaped noodles or the sauce.

But we did learn about, and continue to appreciate, really good Italian food.  Like this roast duck breast with ground fennel flower.

Orvieto offers a lot in a very small area and at a much better price than the big cities.  It’s one of our favorite places to visit!

That's it for the European 2016 trip.  Most of the rest of our time will be spent in getting home.  We've enjoyed it and for those who read the posts, we hope you enjoyed it as well!