Travel through time when you visit Orvieto.  The town is medieval, with cobblestone streets, but you can literally see the passage of time when you visit the Church of Sant’Andrea.  

This Romanesque church was built in the 11th-12th century over the ruins of an Etruscan temple. It is the first church built in Orvieto.  Just inside the entrance of the church, you can go through the wrought-iron gate which leads down to the crypt.

Gates leading down to the Crypt

Francesco, a local archeologist, leads a tour through the crypt. Upon entering the crypt, the first thing you see is sections of a mosaic floor from the 6th century.

Francesco takes guests on a tour of the crypt

If that weren’t impressive enough, look BELOW the mosaic floor to see remains dating back through four different evolutionary periods.  Ceramics from the Villanovan period, 9th century BC, make up the bottom layer. Some pieces are on display in a local museum. Much of what is unearthed tells of the Etruscan period from the 6th century, BC.

You can see how the roads were laid out, where wells and drainage were built, and even the floor of a house.

Etruscan road

Etruscan pipes

Floor of an Etruscan home

Evidence of previous temples, even the grounds of a Byzantine baptismal font and sarcophagus all tell the story of the past.  Imagine yourself here as you travel through time back to the age of the Etruscans.

Evidence of baptismal font

Byzantine sarcophagus

The church of Sant’Andrea is a marvel of history!

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Michelle Logue leads cultural and creative adventures in Orvieto, Italy. With a mandate to provide "travel that transforms", Adventures in Italy gives guests an immersive experience. After more than 15 years of return trips, Orvieto has become a welcoming home base surpassing the typical Italian vacation. Adventures in Italy operates trips in May and September, with two options: Artistic Enrichment nurtures creative expression, while Discover Orvieto invites visitors to focus on the history and culture of Orvieto and live as locals. Find out more about tours and special offers by following Adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit www.adventuresinitaly.ca Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.