Parker Villas Exclusive - A private pocket listing available nowhere else

The Duomo of Orvieto is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic architecture and so is Orvieto itself. Virtually unchanged from the Middle Ages, Orvieto's history is far older. From this volcanic peak, Etruscan armies, before the glory of Rome, vied for supremacy against the equally mysterious Umbri.

Now, picture living in the center of such an incredible place in an apartment whose Etruscan foundation is over 1000 years old. Step outside and stroll along the winding lanes of this romantic hill town leading to quaint shops, cafes for morning cappuccino and family owned restaurants. Below the city is a labyrinth of ancient caverns.

Balconies flank both sides of Casa al Duomo. From the living room balcony, the entire length of the Duomo fills your view. Sip some Orvieto Classico wine and listen to the bells as the sun slowly sets behind this majestic structure. At dawn, the sun rises from the bedrooms' balcony on the other side of the apartment to reveal distant hills, green valleys and the red-tiled rooftops.

The apartment is fully air conditioned and is silhouetted in warm pastels to round out its charming and cozy decor. The kind, English-speaking owners live on the ground floor and sell handcrafted papyrus in their stationery shops in town. If reserved when booking the rental, guests are invited to their workshop for a demonstration in the ancient art of papermaking and a small discount is offered toward purchases. The owners are happy to suggest their favorite local restaurants along with what there is to see and do about the town.

Corso Cavour, one of the town's main shopping streets is just around the corner within 200 yards and the walk passes by about a dozen restaurants. Continue to Piazza Popolo, in 350 yards, for Orvieto's outdoor market taking place on Thursday and Saturday mornings. For Casa al Duomo, limited on street parking lies within 30 yards. A meter paid lot is 150 yards away. For those without a car, the cable car found in Piazza Cahen, 600 yards away, whisks you down to the train station with service on the Rome to Florence line. The most direct trains reach Rome in 70 minutes and Florence in under two hours.

By car, the A1 highway exit is 15 minutes away; Lake Bolsena: 20; Todi: 30; Montepulciano or Deruta: 45; Spoleto or Perugia: 60; Siena, Assisi or Rome: 90. Come the first week of September for the Street Theater Festival or between Christmas and New Year's for Umbrian Jazz.

Technical Description
Second floor: Living/dining room with TV, CD player and door to furnished balcony. Kitchen area with stove top, oven, microwave, fridge and dishwasher. One bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with tub and shower. One bedroom with two single, joinable beds. Both bedrooms open onto a shared furnished balcony. One bathroom with shower and washing machine. Both bathrooms have a portable hairydyer.