Orvieto

About

Starting as a major Etruscan settlement, Orvieto was essentially used as a fortress by whoever ruled Italy up until the 16th century. With its impregnable position atop sheer cliffs it’s easy to see why even Popes would flee here in times of strife. The hilltop city has remained essentially unchanged since the 15th century, making it one of the most picturesque in the country. And the heavy papal presence has blessed it with some of the country’s finest devotional art and architecture. Overshadowing even the multiple papal palaces is the Cathedral, undeniably one of Italy's greatest Gothic churches. The facade not only has all the usual Gothic embellishments, but is covered in vibrant murals. The interior is just as sensational, with frescoes that rival the Sistine Chapel. Just below the city is a vast network of Etruscan-era tunnels, which can be explored on a guided tour to see a unique part of ancient Italian history.