Dear Friends, to give you more insights on Orvieto, I wanted to recommend you to visit the Duomo.
An extraordinary synthesis of architecture, sculpture, decorative arts and painting, it is considered a jewel of the Italian Romanesque-Gothic style.
A symbol of the city itself, the Duomo is one of the most beautiful in Italy. The construction began in 1290, with the support of both the Catholic Church and the city. The intent was to create one large cathedral for the city, to replace two decaying churches that existed there before. It should also be noted that the delightful story of the event of the Miracle of Bolsena encouraged the construction of the Duomo.
The Duomo is a magnificent building that brings together different architectural styles. In particular we can define a fine example and balance of Gothic and Romanesque styles. There were many people who participated in the various phases of design and construction.
Arnolfo di Cambio, and Lorenzo Maitani, with regard to the design (in particular Maitani for much of the credit of the splendid facade) and a lot of sculptors, goldsmiths and painters as regards the landscaping and finishing.
Among the sculptors is Ippolito Scalza (local architect of several works in Orvieto including the Town Hall), which can be seen inside the Duomo, the Statua della Pietà. Among the painters are Ugolino di Prete Ilario, Gentile da Fabriano, Beato Angelico and Luca Signorelli’s frescoes in particular for the two beautiful chapels. the chapel of San Brizio, and the chapel of SS Corporale.
Additional suggestions for a good lunch.
The grand ma food. They serve simple and good food and the owner is funny and kind. Traditional cooking and no frills for a small budget. Not a touristic trap. It is located in Orvieto Scalo, which is the modern and lower part of town.
Just a short distance from Orvieto and located on a hill with beautiful view from their terrace, it serves the real Umbrian food, with fresh made pasta with boar sauce or truffles and great grilled meat. Really value for money and perfect for a summer lunch. Ask for the terrace tables.
Just a short way from Orvieto this family run restaurant has been rated for several years Bib Gourmand by Michelin. The location is beautiful with a nice terrace on the valley. The service is attentive and very familiar. The food is local but with an innovative touch. Fresh pasta, grilled meat and lots of fresh vegetables from their garden. You will never regret the trip.
HOT TO GET TO ORVIETO BY CAR
It is very simple: from the A1 motorway exit directly at Orvieto toll both and follow the signs for the center, which is about 4.5 km far from the motorway. The city is located about an hour’s drive from Rome and an 1 hour and 45 minutes from Florence.
BY BUS
Two local bus companies (Busitalia and Cotral) provide urban and extra-urban services to reach Orvieto and also from the city visit the surrounding towns like Civita di Bagnoregio, Acquapendente, Bolsena, Viterbo, Porano, Allerona.
Bus hub station is located in Piazza Matteotti (in front of the train station and next to the funicular), while the parking lot for the tourist bus is in the large parking in Piazza della Pace (few stairs below the train station). It’s a large free parking area for cars and pay parking area for tourist buses (€45.00 per day). More info about tourist bus parking fee and other local regulation here: www.orvietoviva.com/en/orvieto-parking/
BY TRAIN
Orvieto is located on the Rome-Florence-Milan line and is very accessible by train. The train station, bus station and the funicular are all located in Piazza Matteotti in Orvieto Scalo.
Orvieto’s train station is on a main route that travels from Rome to Milan and passes through major cities including Florence, Arezzo and Bologna. Moreover from the city you can easily take the train to Rome (1 hours) and Florence (2 hours approx.). For information on arrivals, departure times from Rome or Florence to and fromOrvieto please visit the website: www.trenitalia.it
BY PLAIN
Thr closest major airports and are one of Rome-Ciampino and Rome-Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci), the latter from Orvieto is about 1.5 hours and can be reached via the A1 motorway.
Another airport about 1 hour is Perugia “San Francesco da Assisi” (in the area of Sant ‘Egidio) where, for the most part there are flights of low-cost airlines.
If you decide to go I am sure you will ENJOY! I love the place. For more suggestions send me a message.