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 OrvietoOrvieto is a small town in central Italy, situated almost exactly halfway between Rome and Florence, and celebrated for its cathedral and wine. Perched on an isolated mass of volcanic rock, it dominates the bridge where the road between these two cities crosses the river Paglia. Just above this point the Paglia has been joined by the Chiana, and five miles to the east the two flow into the Tiber; the bridge is not a very long one, but it is the longest on the Val di Chiana-Arezzo route from Rome to Florence. Orvieto boasts deep Etruscan roots: inhabited this area between the IX and the VIII centuries BC. Anciently called Velzna, it used to be a flourishing settlement, whose economy was based on the local production of ceramics (known as "buccheri") and the bronze working. The locals fought for years against the Roman expansionist policy, but unfortunately the enemies occupied and razed it to the ground, in 254 BC. Some citizens were forced to move up the hills surrounding the lake Bolsena. The barbarians Alaric I (king of the Visigoths from 395–410 and the first Germanic leader to take the city of Rome) and later Odoacer (435–493) conquered the city setting numerous cruel battles. Agilulf - called the Thuringian, king of the Lombards - conquered Orvieto in 596 and, later on, thanks to the religious reform wanted by Otto III, the city saw the construction of abbeys and monasteries all around. Of the town's history in the early Middle Ages almost nothing is known, but from the twelfth century until the fourteenth it was an independent republic within the States of the Church (through the Cardinal Albornoz), and thereafter it fell under the sway of a succession of tyrants, some of them local, others from neighbouring towns, others papal Vicars; it continued to form part of the Patrimony of St Peter until the unification of Italy in 1860. The Dome is doubtless the most important architectural oeuvre in town. A Gothic-Romanesque building built between 1290 and 1320, with a stunning façade decorated with polychrome marbles and mosaics. Inside, you must have a look at the fresco exhibited in the Chapel of St Brizio, made by Luca Signorelli in 1499. Close to the Dome is Palazzo Soliano, ex papal residence that now homes the Museum of Medieval Art. Another must see is the Well of St Patrizio, by Antonio Sangallo, made during the first twenty years of the XVI century: it shows a famous double spiral staircase, used to get down the well. Once there, do not miss the rich archaeological exhibition of Etruscan Tombs at the foot of mass of rock supporting the city. The medieval quarter offers an evoking underground route, made of ancient grottoes, rich in important findings recently brought back to life. Orvieto is a vibrant, lively medieval town, plenty of events and things to do throughout the year. For example, in October, the most important food and wine rendezvous is "Orvieto con Gusto": a pleasant itinerary to appreciate flavours and smells of local gastronomy. The so-called Festa della Palombella (instituted in the XV century), celebrated during the Pentecost, is quite picturesque as well as the Palio dell’Oca, celebrated every year in May. Do not forget the prestigious Umbria Jazz Winter festival, between the end of December and the beginning of January. The naturalistic area around Orvieto is incredibly rich and variegated. Take a look at the Oasis of Alviano, at 18 miles from Orvieto: lovely place chosen by many migratory birds, such as cranes and ospreys, for their nest-building. Inside the oasis, managed by the WWF (which also organizes didactic laboratories with schools and for children) you can do natural trekking paths and bird-watching, discovering a delicate and new habitat. Orvieto shares with the centre of Baschi the beautiful Lake Corbara with luxuriant pine woods and Mediterranean maquis vegetation along the shore, made of small fiords and inlets. From the like shores of Baschi you will be able to make canoe and kayak excursions while, who likes trekking, it is interesting to start from Titignano and walk to Raccaccua, where to enjoy a stunning panorama. In Orvieto, you should try traditional game recipes, sausages, "mazzafegato", salami and lean hams.
You might also be interested in reading about the following Orvieto topics:
Other towns in the area: Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, Cittą di Castello, Collepepe, Gubbio, Narni, Todi, Bevagna, Castiglione del Lago, Gualdo Cattaneo, Montefalco, Spello, Collazzone, Montone |
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