Cathedral, Orvieto

The Cathedral (begun before 1285), in the southeast of Orvieto, in the Piazza del Duomo, one of the most splendid examples of Italian Gothic architecture, was built in alternating courses of black basalt and grayish-yellow limestone and decorated by the finest artists of the day. It was founded in 1290 in honor of the "miracle of Bolsena" and consecrated in 1309.
Cathedral Map
Important Information:
Address: Piazza del Duomo, I-05018 Orvieto, Italy
Opening hours: Mar 1 to Mar 31: 7:30am-12:45pm, 2:30pm-6:15pm
Apr 1 to Sep 30: 7:30am-12:45pm, 2:20pm-7:15pm
Oct 1 to Oct 31: 7:30am-12:45pm, 2:30pm-6:15pm
Entrance fee: FREE

Cathedral Highlights

Facade

The facade of Orvieto Cathedral, begun in 1310 but not completed until the 16th century, is decorated with scenes from the Old and New Testaments by Sienese artists (14th century) and mosaics of overwhelming richness (originally 14th century, mostly restored in the 19th century) including the "Coronation of the Virgin" on the tympanum. The intricately cast modern bronze doors are by Emilio Greco (1969).

Cappella Nuova

In the richly decorated interior of the Orvieto Cathedral is the Cappella Nuova or Cappella della Madonna di San Brizio, with frescoes (in particular, the "Last Judgment"), begun by Fra Angelico da Fiesole in 1447 but mainly painted by Luca Signorelli from 1499 onwards, which are among the supreme achievements of 15th century painting.

Reliquary

Behind the altar of the Cappella del Corporale is a reliquary (1338) containing the bloodstained chalice-cloth of the "miracle of Bolsena", which is displayed only on Easter Day and Corpus Christi.

Related Attractions

Palazzo Soliano & Museo Archeologico Nazionale

To the right of the cathedral in Orvieto is the Palazzo Soliano (1297-1301), which now houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale with Etruscan finds from the Orvieto region displayed in five rooms. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo containing pictures and sculpture, etc. from the cathedral is also worth seeing.

Palazzo Faina

Facing the cathedral is the Palazzo Faina which houses the Municipal Museum, with a collection of Etruscan and Greek vases.

You may also be interested in:

Cathedral Pictures
Map of Orvieto Attractions
More on PlanetWare