Visit The Majestic And Miraculous Orvieto Cathedral

Orvieto Cathedral is one of the most celebrated in Italy and attracts thousands of visitors to the town of Orvieto, Umbria each year. The present building is a revamped version of a pre-existing structure and was reconstructed in order to house a relic in the thirteenth century. The relic in question, the Corporal of Bolsena, is equally fascinating. Wandering through the narrow medieval streets of Orvieto, one stumbles upon the cathedral when the space suddenly opens in front of you and its stunning façade appears, raised and resplendent in its intricate detail. If you want to see this world class building and experience its beauty and history for yourself, find a villa with pool in Umbria and be sure to pay a visit.

In 1263 a German priest, Peter of Prague, stopped at Bolsena while on a pilgrimage to Rome. He found it difficult to believe that Christ was actually present in the consecrated Host and while celebrating mass in the town, so blood began to seep from the consecrated Host – so much that it trickled over his hands onto the corporal (linen cloth that the consecrated elements are placed upon while celebrating the Eucharist). Seeing what had happened, he went to Orvieto, nearby, where Pope Urban IV was living. The Pope ordered the Host and the corporal be brought to him. He met the procession of archbishops, cardinals and church dignitaries and had the relics placed in the cathedral. The corporal is still exhibited in the cathedral at Orvieto.

The existing cathedral at the time of the corporal's arrival was very much dilapidated and in no way fit to house a relic of such importance. Pope Urban IV ordered the rebuilding of the church but it took sixty years for him to convince the town to sponsor its construction. The cathedral was given a new Italian Gothic appearance which blended northern and Byzantine influences. Construction lasted almost three centuries and evolved from Romanesque plans to the Gothic that we are familiar with. The façade is considered one of the great masterpieces of the late Middle Ages. Its polychromy shows the influence of Siena Cathedral and in conjunction with the use of gold, bas-reliefs, statuary and rose window, gives it an intricate and ornate appearance.

However, it is not merely the exterior which wows visitors every day but also the interiors. By contrast, the cathedral is relatively restrained inside and uncluttered. Polychromy is carried inside and there are numerous frescoes, statues, chapels and delicately ornamented features such as the sculptural baptismal font but the overall effect is quieter than the façade. Famous artists contributed to the decoration of the building such as Fra Angelico.

Stunning and fascinating, the cathedral at Orvieto is one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic that you will ever stumble across and well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Umbria.