Orvieto Sotterranea is a guided visit to underground spaces beneath Orvieto’s historic center, carved into the tufa rock of the Rupe. The approximately one-hour tour visits two major cavities and starts at Piazza Duomo 23.
- Location: Beneath Orvieto’s historic center
- Tour length: Approximately one hour
- Meeting point: Piazza Duomo 23
- Standard departures: 11:00, 12:15, 16:00 and 17:15
- Full-price ticket: €10.00
What Orvieto Sotterranea Is
Orvieto Sotterranea is a network of caves, tunnels, wells and cisterns dug into the tufa beneath the town. The official site describes more than 1,200 underground spaces, created over about 2,500 years.
The modern exploration that led to their rediscovery began in the late 1970s. A major landslide on the Rupe drew local speleologists’ attention to openings in the rock, prompting investigation of the spaces below.
What a Guided Visit Can Include
The standard guided route takes you through two of the largest and most significant cavities beneath the Rupe. The operator describes the visit as an approximately one-hour guided tour, rather than an unguided walk through the wider underground network.
The operator, Spleotecnica Srl, describes the route as very easy. That description does not provide details about stairs, walking surfaces, wheelchair access, age limits or other specific accessibility requirements. If any of these affect your plans, contact the operator before booking to ask about the route.
Where the Tour Starts
The tour meeting point is Piazza Duomo 23, the address given for Spleotecnica Srl: Piazza Duomo 23, 05018 Orvieto (TR). Plan to go to that address for the start of the guided visit.
If you’re building a day around the historic center, the Orvieto old-town walking route connects the underground visit with a town walk.
Booking, Timing and Access
The operator gives daily departures at 11:00, 12:15, 16:00 and 17:15, and tours run from January 1 through December 31, with a closure on December 25. The full-price ticket is €10.00; the reduced ticket is €8.00 for students, senior citizens and groups of more than 25 people.
During summer, the operator strongly recommends booking at least one day ahead. Organized groups can arrange tours on any day and at any time, and booking is advisable for groups.
The operator’s site provides information in Italian and English; tours can be booked in French, Spanish and Russian. German tours may also be available during periods of higher tourist attendance.
Before you go, check the official site for current departure, ticket and booking details. For reservations, contact the operator at booking@orvietounderground.it or 0763/340688 and 339/7332764.
Orvieto Sotterranea is about a 9-minute walk from this hotel in Orvieto, Hotel Filippeschi.
FAQs
How long does the Orvieto underground tour take?
The guided visit lasts approximately one hour and covers two significant underground cavities.
Can you visit Orvieto Sotterranea without a guide?
The standard route is a guided tour of the underground spaces.
Can you book a tour in languages other than Italian and English?
Tours can be booked in French, Spanish and Russian. German tours may be available during periods of higher tourist attendance.
What else can you pair with a visit?
Orvieto Cathedral is another historic-center stop; the Orvieto Cathedral visit guide covers what to see there.