Private Tour of Orvieto including Duomo (Cathedral)
Description
Orvieto is located on a volcanic rock 300 feet above the gorgeous Paglia Valley. The city is known for having one of Europe's most architecturally important Cathedrals, the 14th-century Orvieto Cathedral. Enjoy a private walking tour through the twists and turns of the city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Orvieto is an old town located on a tufa outcrop 300 feet above the gorgeous Paglia valley below. The city is mostly known for its Duomo (Orvieto Catherdral) and is considered one of the most architecturally important in Europe, for its Etruscan roots, and for the museums where one finds collections and displays that range over 2,500 years of history. During this tour you will walk through Orvieto’s charming, narrow alleys, and small squares. Your tour will be a very memorable experience, perfect for reflecting over while you enjoy an Umbrian meal and a glass (or two) of Orvieto Classico wine (not included).
Orvieto's magnificent Duomo (cathedral) is considered one of the must-see churches in Italy for its stunning gold-and-mosaic Gothic façade and magnificent frescoes by Luca Signorelli, which had a great influence on Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel.
One of the prettiest chapels in Italy.
A bird’s eye view of Orvieto from the medieval tower. The eye sweeps the horizon with its hamlets and castles that bear witness to the power that was of the medieval city.
The church has a Latin cross structure, divided into three naves with a transept and semicircular apse. The roofing of the naves is of wooden trusses, while the junction between the central body and the transept is covered by cross vaults supported by beam pillars. The perimeter walls are made of tuff, the floor of marble. Belonging to the church is the dodecagonal tower, which is very similar to the one in the Abbey of Saints Severus and Martyrius.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Reviews(29)
Emma was absolutely amazing! She explained everything in such beautiful detail. She spoke passionately about the details of the Duomo and the history of Orvieto.
Magdelana gave us a great tour of the duomo and the city. She provided so much information and detail about the duomo. Our walk around the city was a great introduction to Orvieto. I would recommend this tour.
Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the Duomo to a very detailed and expansive extent. He knew about architecture, the facade details, the interior including artists, design, engineering, the materials used, the many many stories from religious history that were depicted in the bas relief and the paintings and frescoes throughout the Duomo. His reverence and passion for his region was infectious. We had some time to see a bit more of Orvieto, and he was equally knowledgeable about the old fortification of the city—we learned about engineering to stabilize this seismically active area through time. Highly recommend Alberino as tour guide in Orvieto.
Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We’re truly delighted to hear that you had such an enriching experience in Orvieto. Alberino’s deep knowledge and passion for the Duomo and the city are exactly what we strive to share with our guests, and it’s fantastic to know that his enthusiasm made the history, art, and engineering come alive for you. Orvieto is a place full of layers—artistic, architectural, and historical—and we’re glad you also had the chance to explore beyond the cathedral and appreciate the incredible ingenuity behind the city’s construction and preservation. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in the future!
What a wonderful way to get to know the history and unique area of Orvieto! It was just us two and we loved our tour guide! She tailored much of the information toward our interests while introducing us to all that Orvieto is! It was just the right length and she gave us ideas of things to check out on our own when we had time, even a great lunch spot. Highly recommend this tour!
Orvieto is such a beautiful city. Although much smaller the Duomo really rivals the Duomo in Florence. My friend and I met up with Emma our guide and we were so happy we had her as a guide. She was very enthusiastic about the city and so knowledgeable about it. We learned so much, but the highlight was definitely her discussion of the Duomo. It has so many artistic features that mean so much more than what a layman's eye can tell. She gave us the scoop about all the features on the front of the Duomo and the story it told which was amazing. Emma is a wonderful guide and I highly recommend her.
Elena was amazing! She sat with us and explained the history of the cathedral. She took us down and back up in Patrick’s Well. It was well worth the money spent, and we would highly recommend her to anyone.
We found the duomo in Orvieto to be much more beautiful and impressive than the one in Florence, and the fact that it contains a Eucharistic Miracle makes it even more special. Our guide was knowledgeable and interesting.
My husband and I took a similar tour 5 years ago that was excellent and when I saw our guide walk up to meet us, I recognized her right away! I was so happy to have her as our guide so our friends could learn the history of this beautiful city from the best! Emanuela knows so much about the city because she was born here! Great tour!
Elena was superb. She is knowledgeable and accommodating. We highly recommend her tour of Duomo Orvieto.
Vivianna was a delightful guide! She was patient to answer all our questions and was easy to listen to. We learned so much about the history of Orvieto and the AMAZING Duomo!!
