Monday, August 15, 2011

City on a Hill

No family vacation is complete without an excursion- it is the best way to escape the big city and see what an area is all about. Following that mantra Katie, Bobby and I (along with baby P!) meandered into the Italian countryside. What did we come across on our early morning train ride from Rome? An imposing hillside town called Orvieto.






Standing dramatically above the countryside, Orvieto has been an ideal strategic location for the area's inhabitants. For thousands of years the Etruscans, the Romans and the Papacy all took advantage city's fortified location. This militaristic past as a stronghold has made the city an archaeological gem rich with history. Nowadays, Orvieto is a charming little town which is home to some of the best wine in the Umbria region.





We all found Orvieto to be a much welcomes retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Italian capital. Despite the high elevation and mighty winds, we found ourselves getting extremely comfortable in this slow city*.


We allowed ourselves to wander aimless through the cobblestone streets, feast on mounds of delish pasta and laugh together until we gave ourselves stomach aches. Isn't that what la dolce vita is about eh?


A lovely getaway. A perfect day on a city on a hill.


Tanti Baci,

Lauren






PS: Orvietois actually a "slow city." It is apart of a movement known as Cittaslow that looks to protect the diversity, uniqueness and quality of life in small cities.

2 comments:

  1. Sounds like it was a wonderful break from Roma! Looks like a place we need to visit should ever we decide to return to Italia. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. it was such a lovely town! we had such a great time. But, you forgot to add all of the wonderful shopping that it had to offer:) I love love love your blog!

    ps

    we still have wine that we need to drink from orvieto!

    ReplyDelete