The first works on the new cathedral started in 1290. It looks like the original design of unknown architect has been altered ‘on fly’ to reflect the changes following the new Gothic style.
The alterations however led to instability of the whole construction, which might even collapse, until 1308 when Lorenzo Maitani became the general architect. Maitani introduced his own changes, the most visible in the facade, which was completely different from the rest of the walls laid in white and grey stripes.
Garden of Eden
After Matani’s death next architects carried the works, but it took them several hundred years to complete both interior and exterior of the church.
The facade resembles in the shape the one from Siena, the birthplace of the architect. There are three quaters divided by four pilasters of equal height. The lower part of pilasters carries marble bass reliefs with moments from the Bible: Garden of Paradise, Old Testmony messiachs, Life of Jesus from Annunciation to Noli me tangere and Last Judgement.These marble sculptures were commissioned by Lorenzo with his workers. The facade may resemble the Gothic altar, triptich with mosaics depicting the life of Saint Mary, whom the cathedral is dedicated to.
On the sides the mosaics represent moment of meeting of San Joachim and Sant Ann, Annunciation with Archangel Gabriel and St. Mary in the temple.
Above the main portal we can see the Assumption, where the figure of Our Lady is surrounded by the angels and apostles divided into two groups. Atop of the church there is a scene depicting Coronation of St. Mary.
The interior also hides the real Gothic treasuries, especially Capella di San Brizio with ceiling paintings by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli, the frescoes, that inspired Michelangelo to his design of Sistine Chapel. Opposite of San Brizio Chapel there is Capella del Corporale with large silver box with Holy Corporal. This was a piece of cloth covering the altar during the mass service in the church near Lago di Bolsena. According to the tradition the priest, who was celebrating the mass had the moment of disbelief into the spiritual meaning of Eucharist. At thet time the drops of blood from the Eucharisty felt onto the Corporal. Later the Pope Urban IV proclaimed a miracle and established the feast of Corpus Domini. The cathedral in Orvieto was then built to protect the holy linen.
Orvieto lies about 100 km from Rome and 150 km from Florence and is a popular destination of day trips from both cities.
A visit to Orvieto is included in a day trip from Rome to Orvieto and Assisi, which you can book online on our site.
The entrance to the cathedral is free, except to Capella di San Brizio, where there is a small fee and limits of number of visitors inside of the chapel.
Duomo di Orvieto
Piazza Duomo, Orvieto
Tel 0763 34 11 67.
[photo courtesy of Herry Lawford]
