Cathedral of Orvieto
Umbria
The Cathedral of Orvieto, or Duomo di Orvieto, is a monumental 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located in the town of Orvieto in Umbria, Italy. Commissioned by Pope Urban IV, it was built to enshrine the Corporal of Bolsena, a relic linked to a Eucharistic miracle from 1263. The cathedral's architecture represents a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, evolving over nearly three centuries of construction. Its façade is a masterpiece of medieval art, featuring golden mosaics, large bas-reliefs, statues of the Evangelists' symbols, and three enormous bronze doors. Inside, visitors can admire two frescoed chapels, notably the Chapel of the Corporal and the Chapel of San Brizio, adorned with frescoes by renowned painters including Luca Signorelli and Beato Angelico depicting the Last Judgment and other biblical scenes. The cathedral also houses five Renaissance bells tuned in E flat and boasts a unique 22-sided polygonal rose window. Over centuries, multiple architects and artists contributed to its completion, maintaining stylistic harmony despite the long timeline. The cathedral remains the religious and cultural heart of Orvieto, attracting millions of visitors annually for its artistic, historical, and spiritual significance.
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Tip: To fully appreciate the cathedral, visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds, preferably in spring or early autumn when weather is mild. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours or audio guides available via the official app. Visitors should not miss the Chapel of San Brizio frescoes and the Chapel of the Corporal where the Eucharistic miracle relic is kept. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral was built to house the Corporal of Bolsena, a relic of a Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 1263, when a bleeding Host stained the altar cloth.
- •The façade features a rare 22-sided polygonal rose window, created using advanced geometric and statistical techniques for perfect symmetry.
- •The cathedral’s five bells date back to the Renaissance and are tuned in the musical key of E flat.
- •Over twenty artists contributed to the façade’s decoration over nearly three centuries, maintaining a harmonious Gothic style.
- •The Chapel of San Brizio contains a famous fresco cycle on the Last Judgment, started by Beato Angelico and completed by Luca Signorelli between 1447 and 1504.
History
Construction of the Cathedral of Orvieto began in 1290 under Pope Nicholas IV, initially designed in Romanesque style by Arnolfo di Cambio.
Over the following centuries, the design evolved into a Gothic masterpiece under various architects, notably Lorenzo Maitani who significantly shaped the façade and structural elements in the early 14th century.
The Chapel of the Corporal was built mid-14th century, followed by the Chapel of San Brizio in the 15th century, with frescoes completed by 1504.
The façade was finalized by the late 16th century by Ippolito Scalza.
In the 16th century, the interior was renovated to reflect Counter-Reformation ideals, adding stuccos, frescoes, and marble statues.
Later restoration efforts in the late 19th century aimed to restore the cathedral’s original medieval appearance by removing Baroque elements.
Place Guide
Façade14th-16th century
The cathedral's façade is a stunning example of Late Middle Ages Gothic art, featuring golden mosaics, three large bronze doors, bas-reliefs, and statues representing the four Evangelists. It was largely designed by Lorenzo Maitani and completed over centuries, culminating in the late 16th century with the addition of pinnacles by Ippolito Scalza.
Chapel of the CorporalMid-14th century
Built in the mid-14th century, this chapel houses the precious relic of the Corporal from the Bolsena Eucharistic miracle. It is richly decorated and holds great spiritual significance as the reason for the cathedral's construction.
Chapel of San Brizio1447-1504
Famous for its extensive fresco cycle illustrating the Last Judgment and apocalyptic themes, begun by Beato Angelico in 1447 and completed by Luca Signorelli by 1504. The frescoes are considered masterpieces of Renaissance art and showcase vivid, dramatic imagery.
Underground Tunnels
Beneath the cathedral lies an 800-square-meter network of tunnels and chambers that reveal the history of the cathedral’s construction and its ancient storage areas, offering visitors a unique insight into medieval building techniques and the cathedral’s evolution.
Contact
Phone: 0763 342477