The town's name derives from the Tuscan-Umbrian dialect "ocris" (rocky mountain). Otricoli is a municipality in the province of Terni, located on a terrace between the green hills on the border with Lazio. Although small, it is rich in history: the old town is characterized by the presence of the ancient medieval walls, arcades and coach stations for the horses. The municipality, crossed by the river Tiber, also features an important archaeological area and two museums. Of particular interest is the small hamlet of Poggio, in which testimonies of medieval times are preserved and where every year in July, takes place an evocative event in historical costumes.
The main center was originally built on the hill top, but when it gained great importance and development in Roman times, it was rebuilt, at the end of the Republican Ages, lower in the valley, near the Tiber, where the river creates a large curve. Essential for progress of Otricoli with the Romans, was the presence of the small port on the river, which allowed trade with Rome and the presence of the Via Flaminia. Few ruins from that period remain, due to the re-use of materials, to rebuilt the old center on the hill, in the I century B.C. The present location allows a 360-degree control of the surrounding area, which made of it scenario of several clashes.

Attractions:
- the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the VII century and was restored later. It is an important example of pre-Romanesque architecture;
- the Oratory of St. Joseph of Leonessa, built in the second half of the XVIII century and contains several important paintings of the XVIII century;
- the Church of St. Nicholas, which contains several important paintings and frescoes;
- the Antiquarian, located near the archaeological site, a construction built on a large Roman cistern. Recently renovated, it houses the historical exhibits found in the surrounding area;
- the archaeological site of Otriculum, where it is possible to admire the remains of the baths, the amphitheater, the theater and other public buildings, as well as tombs and a section of an ancient Roman road;
- the Town Hall, which was renovated in the XVII and preserves a copy of "Jupiter", as the original is now hosted in the Vatican Museums;
- Palazzo Birello with its XIX century façade;
- the Castle of Poggio;
- the Castle Alvelino.