On the border between Umbria and Lazio is Orvieto, a beautiful town with an enchanting and timeless charm that leaves visitors in awe.
The town stands on a steep-sided tufa cliff and is a concentration of artistic and natural beauty that perfectly complements its simple and humble lifestyle. A holiday in Orvieto is a journey back in time, discovering historic treasures dating back 3000 years. In addition to the monumental Cathedral, one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian and European Middle Ages, the rich cultural heritage of Orvieto also includes the archaeological sites of the Etruscan era, the churches of the Mendicant Orders, the complex of the papal palace, St. Patrick's Well and many other structures that make the town a real open air museum.
Its symbol is the Cathedral, widely considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals of Italy and the world. One of the most beautiful and valuable features of the interior is the walls of the Chapel of San Brizio, painted by Signorelli, depicting the theme of the Last Judgement in an impressive succession of scenes of the apocalypse and redemption. Further on, the Cappella del Corporale presents frescoes based on biblical and religious scenes. A few steps from the cathedral is the Torre di Maurizio, dating back to medieval times, on top of which is a bronze statue that "strikes the hours" by hitting the bell with a hammer.
The city centre is Piazza della Repubblica, which occupies the space where the Etrusco-Roman Forum is likely to have stood. On one side of the square is the town hall, renovated and enlarged several times over the years. The building is elegant and well proportioned, with arches at its base supporting a row of balconies. Opposite the building, on what was formerly called Piazza Maggiore, stood the eponymous red marble fountain, called Fontana Maggiore, probably built in the thirteenth century in the style of the great fountain still present today in the centre of Perugia. Next to this is the Church of Sant'Andrea, which has undergone significant architectural changes over time and today presents a beautiful façade flanked by a twelve-sided tower similar to the tower of the Abbey Monastery just outside Orvieto.
On Corso Cavour, the main artery of the town, stands the medieval Torre del Moro. Initially called the Tower of the Pope and then renamed, the tower now stands at the heart of the town, like a majestic watershed dividing the streets. Adjacent to the tower is the Palazzo dei Sette [Palace of the Seven], so called because in medieval times it was home to the seven magistrates who represented the major corporations and trades of Orvieto. Absolutely not to be missed is a visit to the Palazzo del Popolo, standing on the square of the same name, a magnificent Romanesque-Gothic building made even more beautiful by the golden colour the tufa has acquired over the centuries.
What else are you waiting for? Take a look at our holiday packages to Orvieto today and get ready for your next unforgettable adventure!
