Opera del Duomo

The Orvieto Cathedral is a majestic structure marking the first significant location from Rome on our Globus tour. It was a proper climax after riding the fun-​fun-​fun-​funicular up the ancient volcano Orvieto rests upon. The cathedral is effectively the sole reason for the visit – nothing else is recommended (sorry citizens of Orvieto). There’s not enough time to do much else save grabbing food and doing a bit of shopping. Visitors are also suggested to avoid the numerous panhandlers begging for money. I would usually offer sympathy except the first one I found hobbling towards me on his ankles was one of the worst imitations of a handicap I’ve seen since Nicholas Cage in The Wicker Man. I knew someone with polio, and I’ve seen how sufferers with cerebral palsy walk, and you have neither, you charlatan.
This accusation was further sustained by a similar individual two blocks later with the exact same awkward gate. When I returned towards the Cathedral ten minutes later, that first faux-​cripple had a cup half-​full of euros. People. Are. Suckers. So those reading this can heed my warnings – clamp onto your wallets like a GI Joe with kung-​fu grip and open it only when paying for food. It’s an unfortunate blight plaguing the region, a fact no one apparently attempts to address, shame given the amazing beauty of the cathedral itself. The photos I took really don’t give it justice. It reflects a style of construction unseen in most or Rome. Later spots in Florence would repeat this pattern, some identically. Within the duomo lies an enormous expanse of striped columns rising to an immense ceiling. I’d love to share this experience via images, but like so many churches in Italy, photography is prohibited. Why? Well, there was some nonsensical and unscientific excuse about flash photography damaging paint back in the Sistine Chapel. Here, they didn’t even offer that, with only whispers of respect being insisted. But if you think it’s a hard rule, just do a search on «Orvieto Cathedral Interior» and bask in the thousands of professional images already taken. Just like the rule that we had to cover our shoulders and knees. I’d like to point out the irony of us needing to be covered so we can enter a church known for its frescoes of naked people. I’m not kidding, there are paintings of naked people in there. There’s even one of a demon biting the back of someone’s head like grapefruit, shocking given the prudish nature of Catholicism and the censorship of the famous Roman and Greek forms «heroic nudity». Remember, this is Italy, where they love their churches but seldom attend.
Oh and the cathedral also houses an old cracker that reportedly once bled. No real mention if the priest had only cut himself and jumped to conclusions, but let’s leave that one be. I’m sure that’s still enough for Orvieto to mark a national day around it. In fact, this entire magnificent construction is owed to that event. Have to admire that level of fanaticism… well, actually, I can hotly criticize, but the past is the past and at least something beautiful remains as a side effect. Seriously, this thing cannot be properly described. You can zoom your camera to the limit and find details unseen by the naked eye. Given the brief visit, I can’t really comment on the rest of Orvieto, except that the parts I saw were amazing. It’s a real shame that our tour rationed so little time here. To stop the tour, ride the tram, take a bus, see the church, and only have enough time for lunch surely does a disservice to the rest of the town. If you are lucky enough to visit while not on a tour, I hope the rest was a good as the highlight.

Of all the cathedrals in all of Italy the one that sits at the top of Orvieto might just be my favorite.
The cathedral and all its Gothic architecture splendor is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Between the limestone stripes, gold mosaic tiles, vaulted ceilings, painted portraits and marble sculptures — visually — the building is absolutely stunning.
Admission to enter and wander around is € 3 and despite not being able to take photos it’s well worth the price. Check out the interior of the cathedral, grab a panini and enjoy lunch on the steps outside, wander the town and take it all in. You’re going to love Orvieto!

If Orvieto was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s fairy tale Fantasyland, then Duomo Cathedral is the «Sleeping Beauty Castle» on steroids!
My wife is Catholic, and she has never seen anything as splendid (and she has been to Notre Dame in Paris and the great cathedrals of Mexico City.)
Like the other Unilocaler so aptly stated; °This is a very blinged out church,” and is a MUST SEE if you are spending a week in Rome.
The town of Orvieto is only 1 hour by Intercity Train from Termini Station (Rome’s Grand Central). We were able to buy 2 Round Trip tickets for only $ 31 Euros (about $ 40 in US currency).

Orvieto: the grand city on the hill of volcanic rock.
There is something about Orvieto that makes me want to live there. Open up a shop, settle with my Italian lover, close shop for the hour to nap, and go to the city (Rome, Florence) no more than once per month. Bask in the glory of the Italian sun, marvel at the cathedrals and castles nearby…
One day, one day…
Anyhow this duomo is as breathtaking as Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, and the Arcibasilica Papale di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome. I just don’t know which one I like better. Yes, it is *that* gorgeous. I may even like this one better, but I will have to visit the others, again, to make sure.
The colours are vibrant, the detailing is superb and the history is remarkable. When the sun hits the front of the cathedral, its magic. There is a café/​restaurant right in front of the cathedral, so you can stare in awe of it, for as many hours as your please.
A funicular railway takes you atop the village on the hill, and it is amazing seeing the castles in the background.
Be sure to roam around the village after seeing the cathedral as its soooo utterly romantic and quaint. Then get some gelato (for breakfast, as I did) and meander against the secret corridors, hopefully not disturbing some of the residents whom make Orvieto their permanent home.
If you are going to Florence or Rome, make sure not to miss Orvieto. You may even find me there – with my Italian lover of course. ;)

I think this duomo is the second most blinged out duomo next to the pope’s duomo. Very golden and beautiful — even on the outside.
I loved Orvieto! I highly recommend a visit to this peaceful picture perfect village.