Orvieto, an ancient city suspended halfway between heaven and earth, has long kept secrets the labyrinth of caves and tunnels hidden in the silent darkness of the cliff. Over the past 3000 years those who lived on top of this high plateau dug an unbelivable number of cavities into the soft volcanic rock on which their city stood.

Now the caves and cavities that overlap and intersect beneath the streets and buildings of the modern town have been brought to "light".

This invaluable reservoir of historical and archelogical information has only recently been the object of organic scientific studies.

The city on top has changed in the course of the centuries, but many underground structures which served to make it function are still intact.

A guided tour of "Orvieto Underground" is therefore the best way to become acquainted with this new, unusual aspect of the culture of a city that abounds in history and outstanding art treasures.

Step after step, mysterious fascinating echoes tell the tale of the Etruscan Velzna, while ghosts of medieval and renaissance Orvieto seem to linger in the humid shadows.

At times the winding subterranean paths run parallel to the cliff wall, and panoramic openings let in the light of day, revealing an endless succession of tunnels, stairs, unexpected passageways, all of which bear witness to the creation over the centuries of this "city underground".

It is an extraordinary journey in time, an exciting itinerary that takes you, with a minimum of effort, to the roots of the city and where the memories of this past are "still alive".

Guided tour by Speleotecnica, each day at 11,00 a.m -12,15 a.m and -16,00 p.m.-17,15 p.m near Orvieto Tourist board, opposite to the Duomo.