Exploring Orvieto

there is an extensive cave system below the city - now restricted for fear of collapse. we took an excellent guided tour and learnt that there are about 1200 caves and many are privately owned. they had to be reinforced with concrete in the 1950s and 60s after a number of major collapses and no new caves are made any more. the stone is softer than limestone, you can dig it with your fingernails. the caves were used as pigeon coops - with entry holes to the outside, olive oil mills etc. The picture shows the grinding stones from the olive mills. 

our guide emmanuelle, right at back,  was fabulous

pigeon coops

a local policeman, va va voom

groovy wood ornament near the gelateria which we frequented!!

the view of the gorgeous Umbrian countryside from our restaurant window at the edge of the town wall, in a cave!!

we enjoyed a dish involving local porchetta and roasted potatoes in our cave setting

when we headed back, one of the many digital clocks around this historic town  (????? ) showed my magical hour, made up of my favourite number 2

in the early mornings the piazza in front of the duomo is empty and quiet - at night it comes alive with families and young people sitting on the steps and talking. restaurants are dotted around the square too 

we visit the town's 65 metre deep well, these days a tourist attraction. it is a scary walk down slippery, crooked steps - and back up of course.

Mike takes some great shots upwards

and downwards, with the turquoise water and hundreds of coins in it, glistening

a perfect photo taken from the base of a 65 metre well!

Orvieto washing line - no space for a Hills Hoist

You never know what tight bend a car might squeeze out of!!

going out for dinner was always a joy - here at Carlo's just about to order what? pasta of course!

one of the many beautiful local plates