Orvieto

We had a morning in Orvieto before leaving for Rome. Not enough time, but at least we got to see it quickly and know it is a place to return to in the future.  It is a splendid and enjoyable hill town in Umbria. Built on volcanic base, rising above tufa cliffs visible from the passing valley.

Umbrian hill scape
Umbrian hill scape

Still you can do a day tour from Rome, so it gets busy by lunch time. The shops here are upmarket and have interesting and beautiful merchandise. The most splendid Duomo, I have seen outside of Rome is here in Orvieto.

side View of the Duomo, built like a fortress
Side View of the Duomo, built like a fortress

But the detail of the edifice is incredible in paints that look made of gold, lapis and emeralds.

Soaring angels of cows, Griffins and eagles adore the portico.
Soaring angels of cows, Griffins and eagles adore the portico.

The facade of the Cathedral was under scaffolding, so these parts are the best we can manage.

Orvieto was once an Etruscan city and later became a favorite refuge for Popes. I guess even Popes need a holiday. The magnificent vistas and climate would have called to them.

Beautiful storm clouds
Beautiful storm clouds

We have to return to Orvieto and stay on the hill. But down in the valleys, even in Lazio we saw more sunflowers.

Sunflowers
Sunflowers

 

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