Orvieto
is situated on the valley of the Paglia river. It was an important Etruscan centre with
the name of "Volsinii Veters". The Etruscans established there also a sacred
place for all people of their region Etruria called "Fanum Volumnae". In Roman
times it was a prosperous centre for its production of ceramics. It was also dominated by
several invasions. In XI-XII century Orvieto became a free municipality with wonderful
buildings like towers, palaces and noble houses. In 1354 it became a city of the Stato
della Chiesa until 1798. After a brief Napoleonic domination, Orvieto returned under the
Pope and later was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Cathedral facade, Orvieto. The Duomo was
built during the years 1290-1320, is a Gothic-Romanesque style church, its facade a mix of
marble and mosaics. Inside are Luca Signorelli's frescoes (1499) in San Brizio's Chapel.
Cathedral facade, Orvieto.
Cathedral facade detail, Orvieto.
Cathedral facade, Orvieto.
Palazzo Papale, Orvieto. Next to the Duomo,
the Papal Palace is now a museum of medieval artefacts.
