San Giovenale sits on the far western tip of the Orvieto plateau, with vertiginous views on three sides over the Paglia valley below. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, with origins in the early medieval period, and its interior retains 11th and 12th-century frescoes that are simple, faded, and entirely compelling in their antiquity.
The church is in the quieter, less touristed western quarter of Orvieto — the walk from the Duomo through the medieval streets takes about fifteen minutes and passes through parts of the old town that most day-trippers never reach. The views from the terrace outside the church are among the best in Orvieto.