Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Cathedral · Orvieto, Úmbria
Duomo di Orvieto
Gothic cathedral begun in 1290, with a façade of golden mosaics and reliefs by Lorenzo Maitani, the Cappella di San Brizio painted by Luca Signorelli and the relic of the miracle of Bolsena.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Duomo di Orvieto
The Duomo di Orvieto, the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, began to be built in 1290 at the behest of Pope Nicholas IV. The work took nearly three centuries. The Sienese sculptor and architect Lorenzo Maitani ran the site from 1309 and defined the façade as it is seen today, only completed in the 16th century.
The façade is the great spectacle: golden mosaics with scenes from the life of Mary, a rose window surrounded by figures and, below, four marble pilasters with reliefs that range from the Creation to the Last Judgment. The interior has striped walls of dark basalt and light travertine, with little decoration, which highlights the two large chapels of the transept.
The Cappella di San Brizio was begun by Beato Angelico in 1447 and completed by Luca Signorelli between 1499 and 1504, depicting the end of the world, the Antichrist, the resurrection of bodies and the Last Judgment. The painting impressed Renaissance artists, and Michelangelo knew it well.
In the Cappella del Corporale is the linen cloth linked to the miracle of Bolsena of 1263, when, according to tradition, the host bled in a priest's hands. The miracle is at the origin of the feast of Corpus Christi, celebrated in Orvieto with a historical procession. In front of the cathedral, the Palazzi Papali house the museum of the Opera del Duomo.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the cathedral and chapels; an extra hour if you include the museu da Opera del Duomo.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the western sun lights up the façade mosaics. For the interior, go early, before the groups that arrive from Rome and Florence.
How to get there
It is located in Piazza del Duomo, in the center of Orvieto, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Cahen and 5 minutes from the Torre del Moro via Via del Duomo.
Tip
The visit requires a ticket, which includes the Cappella di San Brizio; there are combined tickets with other sites in town. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. During Masses, tourist visits may be limited.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Duomo di Orvieto
What should you not miss in the Duomo di Orvieto?
The façade of mosaics and reliefs, the Cappella di San Brizio with Signorelli's frescoes, and the Cappella del Corporale, which houses the relic of the miracle of Bolsena.
Who painted the Cappella di San Brizio?
Beato Angelico began in 1447, and Luca Signorelli completed the work between 1499 and 1504, adding the scenes of the end of the world and the Last Judgment.
Is there an entrance fee for the Duomo?
Yes, the tourist visit requires a ticket, which includes the Cappella di San Brizio. Check prices and combinations on the official website.
What is the connection between the Duomo and Corpus Christi?
The cathedral preserves the cloth associated with the miracle of Bolsena (1263), which is the origin of the Feast of Corpus Christi.