Hidden beneath the volcanic hill of Orvieto in Umbria, Italy, lies a centuries-old secret rediscovered in the 1970s after a landslide. This is not merely a network of caves and tunnels—it is a vast underground city carved by human hands over millennia, brimming with captivating stories and ancient engineering marvels.
A Journey Through the Underground City
Orvieto today is renowned for its picturesque streets and the stunning Duomo cathedral. However, beneath its charming façade lies a magical labyrinth of over 1,200 caves, tunnels, and chambers carved deep into volcanic rock. This underground wonder began during the ancient Etruscan era (circa 9th century BCE) when survival on the plateau posed significant challenges, particularly the scarcity of water.
The Etruscans dug deep wells and cisterns, creating a self-sustaining water system capable of enduring prolonged sieges. Over generations, this network expanded to include storage spaces, production facilities, and even secret refuges.
As modernity rendered these spaces obsolete, Orvieto’s underground city was forgotten—until the 1970s, when a landslide revealed hidden voids in the cliffside. This accidental discovery opened a window into the past, sparking the curiosity of explorers and archaeologists alike.
Secrets Beneath the Surface
What they uncovered was an underground world teeming with life and diversity:
- Ancient Water Management Systems: Massive Etruscan wells, some dozens of meters deep, carved with footholds, showcasing advanced ancient engineering.
- Dovecotes (Columbaria): Rows of geometric niches carved into walls to house pigeons, an essential food source in medieval times.
- Olive Oil Production Sites: Complete underground oil mills with grinders, presses, and storage areas—testaments to the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Pottery Kilns and Wine Cellars: Workshops and wine storage rooms utilizing the stable underground temperatures.
- Secret Tunnels: Hidden escape routes leading from noble estates to the city’s outskirts, designed for emergencies.
A Unique Experience for Visitors
Today, parts of Orvieto Underground are open to the public through guided tours. These hour-long tours take visitors through two extensive cave systems near the city’s main square.
Highlights include:
- Dovecotes: Perfectly aligned niches evoking medieval life.
- Etruscan Wells: Descend into history with these 35-meter-deep marvels of ancient craftsmanship.
- Ancient Olive Oil Mills: Once the economic heart of the region.
- Mysterious Secret Tunnels: Fueling imaginations with tales of daring escapes.
The cool, dimly lit atmosphere of the caves offers a tangible connection to the layered history of a city shaped by generations adapting and thriving beneath the surface.
An Invitation to Explore Living History
Though only a fraction of the underground network is accessible, Orvieto Underground offers a unique complement to the city’s famous above-ground landmarks.
Beneath the surface, every chiseled mark tells the story of a city that has continually evolved to survive and thrive through the centuries. Above ground, the ancient charm of Orvieto and its breathtaking surroundings captivate the senses.
Come and explore the “forgotten underground city,” where each corridor and intricately carved chamber unveils a deeper layer of history. Orvieto Underground promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your journey through Italy.
