Is the Orvieto Card Worth It in 2023? (Orvieto Carta Unica Review)
With its show-stopping cathedral, picturesque streets and underground city, the hilltop city of Orvieto is a worthy addition to your travel bucket list. And like many Italian cities, it has a tourist pass: the Orvieto City Pass (Orvieto Carta Unica).
But is this Orvieto card worth it? As I used this city card on my latest visit to Orvieto, this is where I can help you. Let’s take a closer look in this Orvieto Carta Unica review.
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What is the Orvieto City Pass?
The Orvieto City Pass offers free admission to nine key attractions across the city.
There are also discounts at partner sites, including restaurants, hotels and bed & breakfasts and a few shops. You can check the current list here.
Unlike many cities that offer a bewildering array of city passes, Orvieto has just one card. This is valid for one year after you first use it.
How Much Does the Orvieto Carta Unica Cost?
In 2023, the Orvieto Card costs €25.
Where to Buy Your Orvieto City Pass
You can buy your Orvieto City Pass at the following locations:
- The Orvieto tourist offices at Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Cahen (near the funicular station)
- All participating museums and monuments in Orvieto
- Online here
Although it costs slightly more to buy your Orvieto Carta Unica online, you have the reassurance of free cancellation should your plans change.
The Orvieto City Card comes with a handy fold-out map listing included attractions. I recommend getting a list of up-to-date opening hours from the tourist information office.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ORVIETO CARD
Free Attractions with the Orvieto Card
Let’s take a closer look at what is included in the Orvieto City Pass.
1. Duomo
Orvieto’s unmissable cathedral is one of the best in Italy and is famous for its lacy and luminous exterior and frescoes by Luca Signorelli.
2. Orvieto Underground
Travel back to the time of the Etruscans by taking a tour of Orvieto’s second city.
3. St. Patrick’s Well
Descend 175 feet into Pozzo di San Patrizio, a remarkable well dug in the 16th Century.
4. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Comprises the Emilio Greco Collection, dedicated to the artist who designed the striking bronze doors of Orvieto Cathedral, and the Cathedral Arts Collection.
5. National Archaeological Museum
A treasure trove of ancient goodies from excavations around Orvieto.
6. Claudio Faina Museum (Museo Claudio Faina)
An extensive collection of Etruscan sculptures, coins and jewellery housed in a former nobleman’s mansion.
7. Etruscan Necropolis (Crocifisso del Tufo)
A “city of the dead” dating from the 6th to the 5th Century BC.
8. Torre del Moro
Get 360-degree views of Orvieto and the countryside beyond from the top of this 13th Century clock tower.
9. Well of the Quarry (Pozzo della Cava)
A complex of nine caves filled with Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance treasures.
Do You Need to Book Ahead with the Orvieto City Card?
With the exception of Orvieto Underground, you do not need to book these attractions ahead. Reserve your spot at their office next to tourist information on Piazza del Duomo.
Can the Orvieto Card Save You Money?
Like any city card, you need to do the maths to figure out if it will be good value for you.
All it takes is a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation. Scribble down how you plan to use the pass and compare its cost with the cost of individual attractions.
Maxing out your Orvieto City Pass
Individual ticket prices (2023)
| Duomo | €5 |
| Orvieto Underground | €7 |
| St. Patrick’s Well | €5 |
| Museo dell’Opera del Duomo | €5 |
| National Archaeological Museum | €4 |
| Claudio Faina Museum | €6 |
| Etruscan Necropolis | €3 |
| Torre del Moro | €3.80 |
| Pozzo della Cava | €4 |
- Total cost of individual tickets €42.80
- Cost with Orvieto City Pass €25
YOU SAVE €17.80
You will easily save money if you visit all of the included attractions included in the Orvieto tourist card. However, it may be a different story if you are not able, or don’t want, to max out the card.
Spending a day in Orvieto
Let’s say you are visiting Orvieto on a day trip from Rome. Time will be limited and you may have to limit yourself to a handful of attractions
Using my one-day Orvieto itinerary as an example, here are the best things to do if you have limited time in the city.
| Duomo | €5 |
| Orvieto Underground | €7 |
| St. Patrick’s Well | €5 |
- Total cost of individual tickets €17
- Cost with Orvieto City card €25
YOU LOSE €12
Of course, there are a few caveats.
If you are able to squeeze in a few more attractions during your day in Orvieto you will break even. Also, if you are able to take advantage of the discounts offered by partner restaurants, this will result in further savings.
Is the Orvieto City Card Worth It?
If you are spending a few days in Orvieto and are able to visit all of the included free attractions, you will save money with the Orvieto City Card. This is exactly what I did.
However, if you have limited time in the city, the Orvieto Carta Unica is unlikely to be good value.
