|
Orvieto is a small town of Etruscan origins, about 3.000 years old, built on a rock - go up by rack-railway plus tourist bus - it is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Since the 14th century it gave shelter to 37 popes accordingly therefore always was highly fortified. So the city would always have enough water, pope Klemens VII. ordered in 1527 to build a cistern 62 m deep, and even today one can still find some water left if you climb down the 250 steps to see 'Pozzo di San Patrizio'. |
|
|
Magnificent 14th century cathedral 'Santa Maria', a masterpiece of gothic architecture. It was built in the 13./14. century, after the 'Bolsano Miracle' occured, and the blood sucked cup-linen (Korporale) still is kept in a reliquary behind the altar. It is shown to the public only twice a year: First Easter-Holiday and at the Feast of Corpus Christi. The chathedrals facade is covered with 112 qm marble sculptures, mosaics and columns made of black basalt and yellowisch limestone.The fantastic sight is even more impressive at night in the beam of the headlights - only Sundays. Inside the cathedral take a look at the 'Cappella Nuova' with its impressive frescoes by Signorelli and others - it is not allowed to take pictures ! |
|
