Umbria: Orvieto

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As you drive in to the town of Orvieto, the graceful old city dominates the skyline (you can imagine that those who tried to conquer this city gave it a second thought). The town sits on a cliff of volcanic rock and totally dominates the valley. You just look up and drive the circular route to the top of the city and the Piazza del Duomo. The Romanesque-Gothic Duomo is absolutely gorgeous. The façade is made up of colorful mosaics, gold, marble, sculptures, pinnacles and the sides are striped in black and white marble. Inside, the Capella di San Brizio contains the frescoes of The Last Judgement by Signorelli (just to the right of the altar). There are plenty more treasures inside including the linen cloth that held the bleeding host (called the Miracle of Bolsena or the Holy Corporale from Bolsena). The Pozzo di San Patrizio/Saint Patrick’s Well (on Viale Sangallo) was built in order to assure a water supply if and when Orvieto was under attack. The well is noted for its architecture and engineering — the well is 200 feet deep and 40 feet in diameter. There are 2 spiral staircases big enough for man and beast to carry water up from the well — it’s thoroughly amazing. Right in the main square is the Palazzo Soliano which houses both the Museo Emilio Greco (sculptures, etchings and lithographs by Greco) and the Museo Civico e dell’Opera del Duomo (sculpture, paintings, jewels and items from the duomo). Right nearby is the Palazzo Faina which houses the Raccolta Archeologica Civica and the Museo Claudio Faino (Etruscan artifacts). To the right of the Duomo is the Musio Archeologico Nazionale, located in the Palazzo Papale. Market day in Orvieto is Thursday and Saturday.