Italy – Orvieto – Umbria's Historic Hill Town
One of Italy's Finest Cathedrals plus Ancient Underground Caves
Jul 19, 2009
Orvieto is comfortably placed between Rome and Florence. It is dramatically situated on the flat summit of an almost vertical cliff face. This giant outcrop was formed by a type of rock consisting of consolidated volcanic ash, known as ‘tuff’, An interesting example of the work of nature integrating with the work of man.
Italy – Orvieto – The Duomo
The biggest attraction is the cathedral, the Duomo. Building started in 1290 and it took more than a hundred years to complete. It is huge and completely dominates the town. It stretches up seven stories – stroll down any of the narrow medieval alleyways and it will pop up in front of you.
The facade is incredibly beautiful, richly decorated with angels, saints, and scenes from the Old and New Testaments of plague, madness and martyrdoms. Step inside and visit the Brizio Chapel, entirely frescoed with scenes depicting the end of the world, the resurrection of the dead, Paradise and Hell.
It may seem strange for such a small town to be home to one of the most elaborate cathedrals in Italy. Legend tells us the story of a sceptical priest who doubted the story that the bread used in communion was really the body of Christ. He was on a pilgrimage to Rome and as he passed through the Orvieto area he performed mass and the bread started to bleed, staining a cloth. The cloth was brought to the pope, who was visiting Orvieto at the time, who decided such a miracle should be marked by the building of a fabulous church.
Italy – Orvieto – The Underground Caves
Under the streets of Orvieto is another city, formed by a vast labrynth of around 1,200 caves, many dating from Etruscan times with dovecotes and wells that were dug before the 6th century B.C. People dug to find water and to extract building materials for their houses.
There have been many historical and archeological finds here. There are galleries and cellars and rooms with carved niches meant for escape from the city in the event of siege. The caves were also used as a bomb shelter in the Second World War.
The caves are open to the public but only by guided tour. Several tours depart daily from the tourist office located on the cathedral square. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you.
Italy – Orvieto – Typical Umbrian Ceramics
At the beginning of the 6th century, one of Orvieto’s main sources of income came from its ceramics and bronze work, and this continues today. Orvieto is the best place to buy typical Umbrian ceramics and there are many small stores selling beautifully made vases, plates, bowls, and much more.
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