Umbria Journals

Italy: Umbrian region

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An October 1993 trip to Umbria by kylebarber

Duomo of Orvieto Photo - Cathedral of Orvieto (Orvieto Duomo), Orvieto, Italy More Photos
Quote: While living in Florence, I went on short side trips to the Umbrian towns of Orvieto and Assisi.

Italy: Umbrian region

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Overview

Horsing around in Orvieto Photo - Umbria, Italy
Quote:
Both towns are situated on high hills, offering great views of the surrounding countryside. It's worth trekking all the way up to the castle ruins in Assisi to have a long look in every direction.

Quick Tips:

Both towns are worth checking out thoroughly, but there is no need to stay overnight, especially if you see one per day like I did. Make an early start in the morning and you'll see it all and return to your base camp in Florence before the sun sets.

Best Way To Get Around:

It's not easy getting up to the top of the hillside towns, so grab a bus from the Assisi train station, and in Orvieto catch the funicular ride up the mountain.
Duomo of Orvieto Photo - Cathedral of Orvieto (Orvieto Duomo), Orvieto, Italy
Quote:
This large Gothic-Romanesque style cathedral was built around 1300, with an unusual mix of marble and mosaics coming together to form a brilliant facade for the church. There are also some famous frescoes inside in the San Brizion chapel dating from 1499. What I distinctly remember the most is that the cool interior makes for a nice place to relax after trekking around the hilly town on a hot and muggy day!

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Cathedral of Orvieto (Orvieto Duomo)
Via Di Piazza Del Popolo 13
Orvieto, Umbria

Cattedrale San Rufino

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Attraction

Cattedrale San Rufino Photo - Umbria, Italy
Quote:
This small little church next door to the main square, Piazza Matteotti, is a cute but unremarkable diversion on your way to seeing the Basilica di San Francesco or Rocca Magiore. There was not much art on display, though it did have a pleasant, sunny courtyard that was very quiet and tranquil.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Rocca Magiore

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Attraction

Rocca Magiore Photo - Umbria, Italy
Quote:
Rocca Magiore looms high above the rest of Assisi, with views in all directions of the surrounding Umbrian countryside. There isn't much to see outside the actual ruins, and the inside is made inaccessable. But climb up the wall for spectacular views and photo opportunities. You might want to bring a jacket as the wind really picked up as we ascended to the old castle.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Funicular ride

Attraction

Quote:
For 1000 lire, this tram whisks you up the hillside to the heart of the town nestled on the stone plateau. The rise is fairly short and almost entirely designed for practical purposes, not tourist amusement. But the views are fun and your legs will be plenty tired from hiking around hilly Orvieto later on in the day, so enjoy the ride...

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 25, 2000

Basilica di San Francesco

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Attraction

Basilica di San Francesco Photo - Umbria, Italy
Quote:
This huge church is actually two churches for the price of one. You have a Gothic church that is built around a Romanesque basilica. The different styles don't seem jarring, as this large yet appropriately peaceful church seems to have a happy and peaceful balance of elements. There are a number of attractive frescoes to check out, and, for the the throngs of tourists, a gift shop larger than some churches I have been to in Italy.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 25, 2000