Orvieto sits atop a mesa of volcanic material about one hour from Rome, in the region of Umbria.
Among other fabulous sites, Orvieto boasts a 2600 year old Etruscan burial ground (necropolis) pictured here. The necropolis sits at the base of the mesa, below the historic center of town, but is easily reached by bus or on foot. We walked from our hotel near the Duomo, and it took about 20 minutes to get there. It was mid-December and early afternoon, and we were the only visitors there, which just added to the wonder of the place. When you go to the tourist office, ask for the Carta Unica, which buys you discounted access to multiple sites, including the necropolis, and to use of the town bus.
Here is a view from the necropolis looking up toward the town. The sheer cliff walls are really stunning, though it was overcast on this day so the lighting doesn't really show it off.
Thank you for visiting my Italy blog, which contains travel tips, wine musings, lodging & restaurant reviews, armchair travel to some of Italy's best destinations, and some favorite recipes. Divertitevi!
Aglio e Scalogno
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Don't Just Dream It - Do It ! Let us take you on a tour of a lifetime!
La Contadina Travels and Tours, the company I work for
La Contadina ad on Slow Travel website
Giuliana, owner of La Contadina Travels and Tours
Steven Robert McCurdy, documentary filmmaker and my fellow tour guide
Another self-portrait of Steve, who is co-leading the tour with me
Italian Club of Salt Lake
If you're in Utah or coming for a visit and are interested in events related to Italian culture, music, or food, check the Italian Club of Salt Lake (ICSL) website for information: www.italianclubofsaltlake.com .
The ICSL also offers wonderful Italian language classes in a fun and comfortable setting at Raw Bean Cafe', at 611 South West Temple (great access off I-15). I'm the coordinator of the classes as well as a student, and believe me, the classes are great!
The ICSL also offers wonderful Italian language classes in a fun and comfortable setting at Raw Bean Cafe', at 611 South West Temple (great access off I-15). I'm the coordinator of the classes as well as a student, and believe me, the classes are great!