Orvieto Cathedral, Gothic Catholic cathedral in Orvieto, Italy
Orvieto Cathedral is a Gothic basilica in Orvieto, Italy, whose exterior walls carry wide stripes of black basalt and yellow limestone. The west facade shows a large rose window above the central portal, surrounded by golden mosaics and slender columns that rise to the gable.
Construction began in 1290 under Pope Nicholas IV after the city wanted to create a place for the relic from Bolsena. Lorenzo Maitani took over the design of the west facade in the early 14th century and continued the project over several decades.
Locals call the building »Duomo« and often gather on the square in front of it to meet after work or enjoy gelato. The facade draws many residents at sunset, who sit on the steps and watch the light make the mosaic glow.
The building opens daily from half past nine in the morning until shortly before six in the evening, and guided tours in several languages start at the information desk near the entrance. The interior is cool, so a light jacket is recommended, especially on warm days outside.
The Chapel of the Corporal houses the blood-stained altar cloth from the Miracle of Bolsena in 1263 within a silver reliquary. This event led to the introduction of the Corpus Christi feast throughout the Catholic Church.
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