What is the main setting in the novel, The Villa?

Orvieto is the Italian town in which the villa is located. In Emily's storyline, she and Chess travel to this location in order to get away from their lives. Chess insists that the Italian landscape will inspire them to focus on their writing.

Orvieto is also the backdrop for Mari's story. She travels to this Italian town during the summer of 1974. She is accompanied by Pierce and Lara. They meet Noel and Johnnie in Orvieto upon arriving. Not unlike Emily, Mari hopes that the Italian countryside will alter her perspective and renew her investment in writing.