Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio - July 25, 2012

After disembarking  the Crown Princess we traveled with our guide, Marco Tavola from Rome Connections, through the countryside of Lazio and Umbria to our first stop, Civita da Bagnoregio.  This remarkable little medieval town is perched on a tiny plateau overlooking the Tiber River valley.  Parts of the town have crumbled and fallen away and now the population numbers only around 20 people.  The only access is via a long and very steep bridge.  We looked at it from an overlook and didn’t try the climb!

Civita di Bagnoregio as seen from the overlook

A view from the parking lot to give some perspective of the steep bridge

Our next stop was Orvieto about which Katie has written a little regarding our visit to the underground complex of caves beneath the city.  Orvieto is also situated on a butte  which made it ideal for defense from attackers.  The city commands the surrounding countryside and offers beautiful vistas including this former convent now a luxury hotel.

One of the views from Orvieto

The most remarkable edifice in Orvieto is its Duomo.  This cathedral was begun in 1290 and completed in the next century.  Many people consider its façade to be one of the most beautiful  in Italy.

The facade of Orvieto's Duomo

Detail of the intricate facade

For lunch Marco arranged for us to sample some local wines and food specialties at a little bistro on the main square near the Duomo.  We tried a variety of roast pork, sausages, a basil and anchovy tapanade and some delicious biscotti.  After lunch we were off to our 2 night stay in Rome.