Things to do in Montecchio

Lake Bolsena is Italy’s fifth-largest lake and one of Europe’s biggest crater lakes. It was formed some 370 millennia ago after an eruption in the Volsini volcano complex created a huge basin. Lake Bolsena has an area of 28,170 acres (113.5 square kilometers). It’s a popular place for recreational pursuits and is surrounded by volcanic sand beaches and a handful of picturesque towns and villages.

The Duomo di Orvieto is a splendid Gothic structure that looms over the old town of Orvieto. Dating back to the late 13th century, the cathedral was initially built as a shrine to a relic from a miracle. Today, it is one of Italy’s most iconic cathedrals. Admire the classic religious façade that can be seen from most parts of the town.

The Orvieto Cable Car is an innovative transport system dating back to 1888. It is an efficient mode of transport for carrying passengers between the charming old town zone and the modern development surrounding the Orvieto Railway Station. Enjoy the pleasant views of the Umbrian countryside on your journey up the fortress hill, home to the town’s most significant landmarks.

The Etruscan Orvieto Underground is comprised of a network of caves and tunnels that date back around 2,500 years. The pathways interlink, creating a subterranean world that has helped archeologists find out about Orvieto’s former inhabitants. Meander through the labyrinth of open caves to learn about the Etruscan era of this historic region.

Get ready to be amazed by the statues and sculptures that decorate the Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters). The park dates back to 1552, when Prince Vicino Orsini established it as a memorial to his late wife. It sat overgrown for many years before being brought back to life in the mid-1900s. Today, Parco dei Mostri is a playground of mannerist sculptures set around a labyrinth of well-groomed Italian gardens.

Viterbo Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo) is an architecturally impressive church that looms over the hilltop Piazza San Lorenzo. Established in the 1100s, legend states that the cathedral stands on the site of an ancient Etruscan temple of Hercules. It was reconstructed in the 16th century and restored after bomb damage during World War II. Today, Viterbo Cathedral forms part of a medieval complex, which includes a papal palace, loggia and museum.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a 12th-century church with a beautiful Romanesque façade. Inside, see remarkable frescoes and other religious works of art in a stunning Baroque interior.

St. Patrick’s Well is an innovative cliff-top construction built to source water in the event of a medieval siege. Pope Clement VII ordered its assembly after escaping a besieged Rome and taking refuge in Orvieto. Walk the stairwells pockmarked with internal windows for a glimpse into Orvieto’s history.