Spectacular views over medieval Orvieto, Umbria

Orvieto, Umbria, ItalyWhenever I visit towns or cities, I seek out the highest point to enjoy birds’ eye views over it. Strangely, I’d never been to the Umbrian town of Orvieto’s highest point.

So when I found myself exploring this picturesque medieval town earlier this month with my two sons, I set out to remedy this.

My children are as obsessed as I am to visit skyscrapers, cathedral bell towers, medieval towers – what have you – when we travel.

Orvieto, Umbria, ItalySo they were thrilled to climb up the 47-meter, 13th century Torre del Moro (Moro Tower), originally known as the Torre del Papa, when it was constructed in the late thirteenth century.

Since my younger son is  a sprinter, he did what he always does and sprinted on ahead. My older son and I took it at a much more leisurely pace.

Orvieto, Umbria, ItalyIn 1866, the medieval watch tower was converted to a clock tower, and a mechanical clock was set up and bells hoisted to the top. You see all four clock faces as you are climbing up.

The observation deck offers spectacular views of the medieval city, and views to the pretty countryside surrounding it. We had a good time following the winding city streets from above, pointing out the routes we’d taken around the city and the monuments we had already seen, and those we had yet to see.

When you’re next in this picturesque medieval town, don’t miss out on views over Orvieto from its medieval watch tower.

Orvieto, Umbria, Italy

Orvieto, Umbria, Italy

7 Comments

  1. La Brutta Figura on January 24, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    Good tip!

  2. Ishita on January 25, 2017 at 4:21 am

    I loved climbing it too!!

    • kimberlysullivan on January 25, 2017 at 9:15 am

      Glad you were in Orvieto. Gorgeous, isn’t it? : )

      • Ishita on January 25, 2017 at 3:09 pm

        Absolutely. My friend stays there will definitely visit her someday

        • kimberlysullivan on January 26, 2017 at 9:19 am

          Perfect – gives us a good excuse to meet up one day for a chat over glasses of Orvieto Classico. : )

          • Ishita on January 26, 2017 at 5:42 pm

            Already looking forward to it. Also I’m secretly hoping we first meet in Rome. You stay there?? I know meeting there will be the best and you could tell me your favorite place for a caffe



  3. kimberlysullivan on January 26, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Con gran piacere, Ishita! I’m looking forward to it. And yes, I’ve been ‘Roman’ for the past 17 years (yikes!), so yes, sniffed out all the great coffee places by now. : ) A presto a Roma

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