Orvieto has Etruscan origins, settlements there dated back to the 9h century B.C.E. The magnificent Duomo, a stunning example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, is the symbol of the town dominating the entire medieval centre with its imposing bulk. Construction began in 1290 and its imposing facade is decorated with bas reliefs and embellished with mosaics and a rose window by Andrea Orcagna. The cathedral conserves important works such as the frescoes by Luca Signorelli and the Reliquary of the Santo Corporale (Holy Corporal). Signorelli’s famous frescoes of the Last Judgement, depicting Paradise, the Elect and the Condemned, Hell, the Resurrection of the Dead, and the Destruction of the Reprobate painted between 1499 to 1504, are in the Cappella Nuova.
The Duomo stands in the piazza named for it, which has been enlarged and reorganised over the centuries to provide more space around the building. Close by are the Casette dei Canonici and the Torre di Maurizio. Behind the Cathedral are the Palazzi dei Papi, 13th century buildings named for Popes Urban IV, Martin IV, and Boniface VIII; this last is also known as Palazzo Soliano and today houses the Museum dell'Opera del Duomo.
Orvieto continues underground, with numerous caves and wells carved out over the centuries. These include St. Patrick’s Well which is 62m deep and was engineered in the 16th century by Antonio da Sangallo and Giovanni Battista da Cortona. It features two spiral ramps in a double helix, each with 248 steps lit by 72 windows.
Fondazione Umbria Film Commission
Via M. Angeloni 61 — 06124 Perugia
Phone: 075-5045878
Email: info@umbriafilmcommission.com
