Bagni di Lucca and Beyond

We have been several times to Orvieto. It is a city in south west Umbria. The city sits on the flat top of a volcanic tufa plug. It looks very impressive from the plain below. The defensive walls surrounding the city are made of the same stone, adding to the beauty and drama.

The name Orvieto comes from the Latin, urbs vetus, ancient city. It has a possible Etruscan past from before the 4th century BC. It was taken by Rome in the 3rd century BC and was later held by the Goths and Lombards before becoming a self governing commune in the 10th century.

Orvieto’s population grew to about 30,000 by the end of the 13th century. Today it is a thriving, beautiful city, full of interesting historical sites, great restaurants and cafes and excellent shops.

We parked at the railway station below the town and took the funicular to the top. Driving and parking in these ancient towns can be difficult.

At the top, beside the Funicular station, is a magnificent medieval fortress Fortezza Albornoz. It originally had a moat and drawbridge. Only a portion has survived and now pretty gardens fill the space. The remaining tower offers excellent views.

We walked away through the narrow streets to our accommodation near the Duomo.

The most famous site in Orvieto is the magnificent Duomo begun in 1290 by Pope Nicholas IV, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. The church is striped in white travertine and greenish-black basalt. The piazza in front of the duomo is quite small so it is difficult stand far enough back to get a good photo.

Slightly to the side is better.

The facade is covered in amazing images and sculptures.

The interior is relatively plain.

The stained glassquadrifore window in the apse was made between 1328 and 1334. The frescoes on 3 sides were created around 1370 and took 10 years to complete. The series was the largest in Italy at that time.

The marble baptismal font is decorated with lions and frieze reliefs. It was begun in 1390 and expanded a little later.

It is overlooked by a fresco of the Madonna and child, painted in 1425.

The 2 chapels on both sides are richly decorated with frescoes and adornments.

A museum is beside the church.

There is lots to explore in Orvieto streets and narrow lanes.

We had dinner at the delightful Trattoria dell Orso.

The curtain is actually carved wood.

The food was delicious and the service excellent.

Orvieto looks beautiful in the evening and when the lights come on.

 

We stayed at the gorgeous Palazzo Petrvs. It is exquisitely decorated and the people working there are delightful.

Aperitivo.

Breakfast.

After breakfast we walked to the edge of the city. A thick fog surrounded us, so the view was lost, but it still looked great.

On a previous visit I spotted an unusual fountain in front of the station. The 2 poo fountain at Orvieto

This time there was a change.

The item that appeared to be climbing out of the fountain has fallen, or been pushed (I suspect the latter) which is an improvement. I still question the design of this fountain.

See previous visits to Orvieto.

Oh, Orvieto, I think I love you

Beautiful Orvieto

Sunrise, sunset, Orvieto style

Orvieto faces

Orvieto is certainly worth several visits.