Orvieto
The main draw to Orvieto is the magnificent duomo (cathedral) that has an interesting origin. In the 1260's, a bohemian priest - who doubted that the bread used in communion was really the body of Christ - went to Rome on a pilgrimage. On his return journey, he worshiped in Bolsena, near Orvieto. During Mass, the bread bled, staining a linen cloth. The cloth was brought to the pope, who was visiting Orvieto at the time. Such a miraculous relic required a magnificent church. You can view the acutal cloth from the Miracle of Bolsena in the chapel to the left of the altar.
Click on each picture for a larger view.
 |
 |
The
town of Orvieto as we approached it. It is interesting to see that all
of the medieval towns were built on top of hills, apparently for protection
from invaders. |
Pam
at the front entrance to L'Elmo agriturismo. The farm has large orchards
of Hazelnut trees. The main house (pictured) was built in 1773. |
 |
 |
A
medieval town that we passed on the way to Orvieto. |
A
window in Orvieto. |
 |
 |
Another
window |
an interesting door. |
 |
 |
An
attempt of an artistic display I made in our room by setting our wine
jug and grapes on the sill of a patched up window. |
Pam
standing in the doorway of one of the outbuildings at L'Elmo. |
 |
 |
A
side street in Orvieto |
Pam
entering an alley in Orvieto |
 |
 |
The
Duomo from the town's clock tower |
Some
of the detail work on the front of the church |