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Orvieto travel wonder in Italy |
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Why Orvieto This ancient town picturesquely sits an a large, flat outcropping with sheer cliffs - and has a marvelous cathedral.
Orvieto
It is Orvieto's crown jewel. The Duomo especially renowned for its superlative mosaic, statute and stain-glass clad facade - and for its fresco-adorned San Brizio Chapel (which gave Michelangelo some ideas for his Sistine Chapel).
This is another attraction. Its deep shaft was dug in the 16th century to provide water in the event of a seize. To speed water-fetching, the architect cleverly designed double-helix style stairways - one for the up, the other for the down mule traffic. You can descend the some 250 stairs (but must climb them back up).
They include a pre-Roman Etruscan necropolis. There is also a Etruscan museum. Orvieto's narrow Medieval streets and alleys provide another adventure.
Orvieto is famous for its ceramics. Some are garish, some not. The subtle one I purchased won a permanent place in my home.
The outcropping is a tuff, a formation of volcanic ash compressed through geological time. Erosion gave it its upside elongated tub shape. Even today the tuff is eroding slowly. However, major conservation engineering projects have decelerated the natural process.
View my other gold, silver & bronze medal
winners in Italy
My Italian phrase guide for travelers What every visitor should know.
Italian cuisine guide
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I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that my Orvieto page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
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The
Duomo (cathedral)
