Orvieto Underground - 27.2.2010

There is a whole other city under the modern one. The views on the way to the underground entrance were breath taking on this sunny day. So much history and reuse of these spaces overtime is fascinating. The way they carved spaces is amazing and difficult for me to wrap my mind around. So intelligent and advanced, the Etruscans truly impressed me. Gable roofs, wells, and olive oil production were some of what went on down there in the beginning. They panned out the use of the spaces well. Later in time cellars were added under homes on a different level where they carved out dwellings for doves they would raise. Most recently was a space under the hospital during WWII in case of a bombing, luckily they never needed it. This tour expanded my understanding of layers, literally multiple layers under the city, layers of different times and uses. We can all learn from the past.