Between Stone and Sky – Orvieto, Civita and the Land of Tuff
A journey across Italy’s tuff lands: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, Lake Bolsena and hidden Lubriano. Discover the border where Tuscany meets Umbria with Podere Grotta Antica.
Alessio
Between Stone and Sky
Orvieto, Civita and the Land of Tuff
There’s a land shaped by fire and silence —
where cliffs rise from ancient lava and villages cling to the edge of time.
It’s the borderland between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio,
a place of caves, legends and endless horizons.
This journey reveals its hidden soul: powerful, quiet, eternal.
[ Orvieto ] [ St. Patrick’s Well ] [ Civita di Bagnoregio ] [ Bolsena ] [ Lubriano ]
[ Orvieto ] [St. Patrick’s Well ]
[Civita di Bagnoregio ] [Bolsena ]
[ Lubriano ]
Orvieto
the city on the rock
Majestic and golden, Orvieto rises from a tuff cliff like a stone cathedral.
Its Duomo glows in the sunlight, adorned with mosaics and Signorelli’s frescoes.
But beneath its streets lies another city — mysterious and ancient.
👉 Chicca: explore Orvieto Underground, a labyrinth of caves, wells and cisterns carved into the rock: an entire world beneath your feet.
...
St. Patrick’s Well
a spiral into silence
A few steps from the center, the Pozzo di San Patrizio spirals deep into the earth.
Its double helix staircase is a marvel of Renaissance genius.
Walking down feels like entering a secret chamber of light and stone.
👉 Chicca: stop halfway and look up — the circle of sky framed by rock feels almost divine.
...
Civita di Bagnoregio
the city that defies time
Suspended above the valley of canyons, Civita di Bagnoregio is a dream you can walk into.
Connected only by a long bridge, it lives between earth and sky.
Every step echoes with history, every wall whispers peace.
👉 Chicca: stay until sunset — when golden light wraps the village, it truly floats in the air.
...
Bolsena
the lake of legends
Formed by an ancient volcano, Lake Bolsena reflects both water and fire.
The town is peaceful, full of dark stone houses and lake breeze.
👉 Tip: take the ferry to Bisentina Island — a hidden sanctuary of chapels and oaks in the middle of the lake.
...
Lubriano
the balcony of the calanchi
Between Civita and Bolsena, Lubriano is one of central Italy’s best-kept secrets.
From its terrace, the whole valley opens in front of you — wild, sculpted, breathtaking.
👉 Tip: follow the Path of the Springs, a short walk through old washhouses and waterfalls hidden among the fields.
Orvieto
the city on the rock
Majestic and golden, Orvieto rises from a tuff cliff like a stone cathedral.
Its Duomo glows in the sunlight, adorned with mosaics and Signorelli’s frescoes.
But beneath its streets lies another city — mysterious and ancient.
👉 Tip: explore Orvieto Underground, a labyrinth of caves, wells and cisterns carved into the rock: an entire world beneath your feet.
...
St. Patrick’s Well
a spiral into silence
A few steps from the center, the Pozzo di San Patrizio spirals deep into the earth.
Its double helix staircase is a marvel of Renaissance genius.
Walking down feels like entering a secret chamber of light and stone.
👉 Tip: stop halfway and look up — the circle of sky framed by rock feels almost divine.
...
Civita di Bagnoregio
the city that defies time
Suspended above the valley of canyons, Civita di Bagnoregio is a dream you can walk into.
Connected only by a long bridge, it lives between earth and sky.
Every step echoes with history, every wall whispers peace.
👉 Tip: stay until sunset — when golden light wraps the village, it truly floats in the air.
...
Bolsena
the lake of legends
Formed by an ancient volcano, Lake Bolsena reflects both water and fire.
The town is peaceful, full of dark stone houses and lake breeze.
👉 Tip: take the ferry to Bisentina Island — a hidden sanctuary of chapels and oaks in the middle of the lake.
...
Lubriano
the balcony of the calanchi
Between Civita and Bolsena, Lubriano is one of central Italy’s best-kept secrets.
From its terrace, the whole valley opens in front of you — wild, sculpted, breathtaking.
👉 Tip: follow the Path of the Springs, a short walk through old washhouses and waterfalls hidden among the fields.
After a day among cliffs, wells and dreams,
coming back to Podere Grotta Antica feels like finding balance again.
The night smells of tuff and vines,
and the stars rise like slow prayers over the hills. 🌿
📍 Distances from Podere Grotta Antica (Chiusi)
Orvieto ~50 min · St. Patrick’s Well ~50 min · Civita di Bagnoregio ~1 h ·
Lubriano ~1 h 05 min · Bolsena ~ 1 h 10 min