“It is one of the highest achievements of Italian Gothic art and architecture. Few buildings in the world are that ornate, and at the same time – few have such a well balanced and harmonious architecture.” (W.mondo)
The Cathedral is built in the highest spot of Orvieto cliff and view towards this beautiful building opens from many streets in the city. Lorenzo Maitani, who also designed the Siena Cathedral, became chief-engineer in 1309 and it is easy to see the similarity between the two Cathedrals.
The façade of the Duomo is decorated with golden mosaics and it is seen as one of the masterpieces of European architecture and art in the Late Medieval Ages.
Especially interesting are the frescoes by Luca Signorelli (1499 – 1503). Working feverishly night and day, he frescoed every inch of the chapel with scenes depicting “The last Judgement”, end of the world, the resurrection of the dead, Paradise and Hell. He was very influenced by the dire warnings in fellow Florentine Dante’s “Divine Comedy”. These frescoes are some of the most beautiful and interesting ones in Italy.
Il Duomo di Orvieto is definitely worth a visit and it is only 30 minutes from Castello di Montegiove.
Castello di Montegiove 