Orte, Medieval commune in Tiber Valley, Italy
Orte is a medieval commune in the Tiber Valley and sits on a high tuff cliff, with the river naturally bordering the area to the north and east. The location provides strong protection through a river loop that surrounds the terrain on three sides.
The town began as an Etruscan settlement called Hurta in the 6th century BC and later became a Roman municipality known as Horta. This continuous occupation over millennia shows the strategic value of the river position for controlling the region.
The Cathedral and the baroque church of San Francesco show religious buildings that developed over centuries and shape the town's character. These churches reflect how different periods left their mark on the place.
The railway station is located about two kilometers from the center and connects the town via the Florence-Rome and Ancona-Orte lines to larger cities. Walking to the old town on the cliffs is easy, though the paths going upward are steep.
The network of ancient channels beneath the town shows how Romans moved and stored water using advanced techniques. Some of these underground systems still function today and affect how the town manages its water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
