Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Gothic Orvieto Cathedral

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Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Italian Tuscan Gothic Orvieto Cathedral, Duomo di Orvieto; Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Italy. Photographer Paul E Williams.    (TIP – use the icons below the slideshow for thumbnail photos and info)

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Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Italian Tuscan Gothic Orvieto Cathedral

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Photos of the Medieval Orvieto Cathedral of Duomo, Italy. Also Duomo di Orvieto; Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.

Setting of Orvieto

Orvieto is situated on the top of a high a flat topped volcanic plug with steep cliffs running around it. Perched at the top of the high vertical cliffs the views of Orvieto Cathedral are both imposing and dramatic. The origins of Orvieto can be traced back to the Etruscans and it was annexed by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. By the Middle ages Orvieto had become an important trading town that controlled the main route from Florence to Rome.

Foundation of Orvieto Cathedral

In the 13th century Orvieto became a refuge to the popes who took up residence in the Papal Palace of Orvieto for nearly 50 years. This papal connection with Orvieto led to the building of the Orvieto Cathedral under the orders of Pope Urban IV. Orvieto Cathedrals to built to provide a suitable home for the Corporal of Bolsena, a miracle which is said to have occurred in 1263 in the nearby town of Bolsena.

The founding stone of Orvieto Cathedral was laid by Pope Nicholas IV on 13th November 1290. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Orvieto Cathedral Cross Over Design

Originally Orvieto Cathedral designed as a Romanesque basilica with a nave and two side aisles. When its first builder Giovanni di Uguccione was succeeded by Fra Bevignate, the design was change into the Italian Gothic style.

In 1309 the Sienese sculptor and architect was commissioned to work on the Cathedral of Orvieto and not only resolve structural problems with the building but also to design the facade of the building.

Orvieto Cathedral Facade

The facade of Orvieto Cathedral is a triumph of Tuscan Gothic Architecture. It is divided into 3 gables to reflect the interior basilica layout. Large panels of mosaics fill the triangular door tympanum leading upwards to a large triangular mosaic panel that is at the top of the central gable. The mosaic panels were created between 1350 and 1390 after designs by artist Cesare Nebbia. They have golden backgrounds which reflect in the sun. The mosaics of the Orvieto Cathedral depict scenes from the Life of the Virgin Mary. The highest panel depicts the “Coronation of the Virgin Mary”.

Orvieto Cathedral Facade Sculptures

Between the doorways are sculpted Bas relief panels that depict scenes from the Book of Genesis with Adam and Eve, the Last Judgement, Biblical stories and the lives of Jesus and Mary. Sculpted by Maitani and at least 3 other unknown sculptors these sculptures are some of the best Italian sculptures of the 14th century.

Orvieto Cathedral Rose Window

The Magnificent Rose window of Orvieto Cathedral was built by built by the sculptor and architect Orcagna between 1354 and 1380. Above the window is a row of niches with sculptures of the twelve apostles. Beautiful twisted sculpted columns complete the overall effect of the facade. The design of Orvieto Cathedral is harmonious and its rich decoration has been balance to perfection, making it probably the best example of Tuscan Gothic in Italy.