Pigeon hotel in one of Orvieto's caves.
Over the course of 2500 years the underground of Orvieto have been dug out, so today the city have thousands of caves under ground.
The first caves were made by the Etuscans and even today the caves are being used for different purposes.
On the picture to the right you can see many sqare holes carved out in the cave walls. These holes have been used to host pigeon nests which provided an important food source not the least under the many times the city has been besieged.
Location:
The guided tour of Orvieto Underground starts from Piazza Duomo nr 23.
Opening hours
Guided tours are offered from January 1st to December 31st.
Every day at 11.00, 12.15, 16.00 & 17.15 (during periods of greater tourist attendance, tours run every 15 minutes).
Closed 25th December.
In periods of greater tourist attendance, also in German.
Guided tours can be booked in other languages (French, Spanish, Russian).
It is always advised to book. Tickets can be purchased in the tourist information opporsite to the Duomo.
Orvieto Underground website.
Pigeon hotel in one of Orvieto's caves.