Our territory, between history and culture.
Il Duca di Orvieto restaurant and the city of Orvieto have a deep connection… a nice mix of passion, history, tradition. Orvieto in fact is all of this; its ancient origins and the different ages and civilizations that lived in it, today allow us to appreciate its charm and richness. A history that becomes real and can be seen in the wonderful scenarios in the medieval quarters, in the art and architecture patrimony, as well as in the splendor and majesty of the Duomo cathedral.
Orvieto: Etruscan town, placed high on top of a volcanic outcrop of ancient origin. The old town – on a human scale – is rich in medieval and Renaissance palaces, churches, Etruscan tombs and other remains of Etruscan origin displayed in the archaeological and civic museums. Orvieto also has unique monuments of its kind as The Duomo Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Well. We recommend a visit to the Pozzo della Cava, the Torre del Moro, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the city’s underground (Orvieto Underground). The city is also the scene of important events and music festivals. Among the major annual events we highlight the feast of Corpus Christi with the historical parade, Umbria Jazz Winter, Orvieto con Gusto, Orvieto Food Festival and Umbria Folk Festival. For more information about the city of Orvieto and what to see: www.orvietoviva.com/
Other points of interest in the area:
Bolsena and Bolsena Lake (14 km). Along the Cassia road towards Viterbo, the great lake of Bolsena is just a few minutes from our property, one of the cleanest ones in Europe and a popular destination for lake tourism. The lake, of volcanic origin (once it was a lava chamber), is dotted along its perimeter by villages and beaches both free and with small establishments and restaurants.
Bolsena is a town of Etruscan origin and is together, with the other main town Orvieto, in the celebration of the Extraordinary Eucharist Jubilee for the 750th anniversary of the “Miracle of Bolsena.” In town, we strongly suggest a visit to the beautiful basilica of Santa Cristina and the Monaldeschi Castle, current home of the territorial museum. From Bolsena guests can also easily reach the charming village of Capodimonte, from where ferry boats for tours on the lake and the islands depart. Always around the perimeter of the lake are other villages to visit, including San Lorenzo Nuovo and Marta. Continuing in the direction of Viterbo instead, you reach the center of Montefiascone with the beautiful Fortress of the Popes and the church of Santa Margherita.
Civita di Bagnoregio (12 km). A unique place in the world, just a short drive towards the town of Bagnoregio, Viterbo direction. The village of Civita, a town now almost deserted connected to the rest of the world by a long and impressive bridge that can only walked on foot. A visit to this village is absolutely recommended to find yourself in a fairy tale out of time. Very nice are also the landscape that you find around the picturesque valley of the Badlands and the nearby natural park of Lubriano: a journey through the green for nice relaxing walks in the unexploited nature.
Torre Alfina: another village of the Tuscia area in Lazio who, as Civita, is ranked among the most beautiful in Italy. The entire village is nestled in a verdant countryside, and is dominated by an impressive castle (the Monaldeschi Castle) a beautiful medieval building with high towers and a precious Italian garden. Near the castle there is a “monumental” forest with huge rocks and tall trees, and embedded in this nature is the Gothic mausoleum of the noble Marquis Cahen to whom we owe the construction of the spectacular art nouveau villa (Villa La Selva or Villa Cahen) nestled in the woods of the di Meana forest near the village of Allerona.
Todi: (about half an hour by car). This beautiful Umbrian town can be reached by passing through the area of Lake Corbara and the Tiber River Park, a protected and very scenic and picturesque environment ideal for lovers of sports like fishing, hiking or mountain biking. In the town of Todi we recommend a visit to the center, with its beautiful Piazza del Popolo, the Duomo, Palazzo dei Priori, and the Roman cisterns. Just outside of town we recommend the majestic Santuario della Consolazione. Near Todi is also the small village of Monte Castello di Vibio, reported among the most beautiful villages of Umbria and where the original “little theater” is. As the name suggests, it is the smallest theater in the world.
