But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it ~ Matthew 7:14
There are so many beautiful, medieval villages throughout Italy to explore. How do you decide where to spend your days, your time and most importantly your gas money? Let’s talk about gas in Italy briefly. Gas is about 1.60 euros per liter. This is equivalent to $7.56 per US gallon. Wow. We don’t plan on renting a car every trip. Prices dramatically increased summer vs- winter. Italy opening up very well could have had something to do with the increase in price, supply and demand. Mike and I had originally said, once we figure out the ins/outs, we will start taking the train around. We can take the train from Rome, FIU airport directly to a station about 20 minutes from our village. From there we can hop on a bus right to the next town over, Osteria Nuova. At this point, we head to our village on a 2nd bus. It seems difficult, however it is definitely doable. We will be going this route soon, once we are done with all the major renovations. We are in need of the car right now getting from IKEA, Leroy Merlin and Bricoman, Vodafone, the bank etc, etc….
So, while we have the car, we are taking advantage of this beautiful country. Already we took a 4+ hour car ride south to Calabria (region). We stayed in Scalea, see my previous post. This seaside town is wonderful. The ocean was as refreshing as we expected. Dark, deep colors giving a lagoon atmosphere. The black sand beach was something we had never experienced and something we will never forget. Ok, back to Orvieto ……
Kailee has always told us her favorite hilltop village in Umbria is Orvieto. She recalls sitting, reading in the park, while taking the best nap under the enormous trees. From our village, Orvieto was an easy 1 & 1/2 hr drive. The toll road saved us about 45 minutes (each way) and only cost 7 euros (each way). Absolutely recommended. Along the drive you pass the most spectacular view of fields and fields of big, bright yellow sunflowers. We all just wanted to stop the car and dive right into them. We may go back for that!
Kailee had only been via the train, so once we arrived, we realized there is parking up at the top in the center. There you’ll find a large metered parking lot. So find your spot, then you need to find the little ticket kiosk. You simply add time on the machine, print the ticket and stick that on your dashboard (validating your parking). It is very affordable, 1 euro for 1 hour. If you come by train, once arriving at the station, you’ll find a trolley car system that takes you to the top of the city. Once we parked and paid, we headed to the center to find the Duomo. Let me tell you how beautiful it is coming around the corner and seeing its peaks as a first glimpse.
Some info from WIKIPEDIA:
“The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is the main place of worship catholic of Orvieto , in the province of Terni , the mother church of the diocese of Orvieto-Todi and masterpiece of ‘ Gothic architecture of’ Central Italy . In January 1889, Pope Leo XIII elevated it to the dignity of a minor basilica . [1]
The construction of the church was started in 1290 by the will of Pope Nicholas IV , in order to give a worthy location to the Corporal of the miracle of Bolsena . Designed in Romanesque style by an unknown artist (probably Arnolfo di Cambio ), in the beginning the direction of the works was entrusted to fra Bevignate from Perugia who was soon succeeded, before the end of the century, by Giovanni di Uguccione , who introduced the first Gothic forms . In the early years of the fourteenth century, the Sienese sculptor and architect Lorenzo Maitani assumed the role of master builder of the work.
He enlarged the apse and the transept in Gothic forms and determined, although not finishing it, the appearance of the facade as it still appears today. When Maitani died in 1330 , the works were far from completed. The role of master builder was assumed by various architect-sculptors who succeeded one another over the years, often for short periods. In 1350 – 1356 the Chapel of the Corporal was built. In 1408 – 1444 the Chapel of San Brizio was built , but only frescoed later ( 1447 – 1504 ). The work on the facade also continued over the years, until it was only completed in the second half of1500 by Ippolito Scalza , who built three of the four spiers of the facade.”
Show me the way ~ Psalm 27:8
The Duomo was opening Sunday at 1:00 for visitors. We stood in line just to the right of the Duomo where you can purchase different tickets, including a visitor’s pass to enter. The fee was 5 euros, which I absolutely recommend. We were then allowed to enter, walk around at our leisure and photos ARE allowed. Make sure you take your camera! Just remember no flash photography. For those not wanting to spend the 5 euros (I have no idea who those people are) or those not wanting to see the Duomo other than to say a quick prayer, you can enter for free, off to the side. It provides a quick glimpse. Trust me, spend the 5 euros and enter.
Walking in the Duomo brings out such wonder. It’s something you have to experience yourself. The majesty of this structure is captivating. The stain glasses everywhere your eyes take you are so delicate and detailed. The altar is beautiful, the statues are large and impressive. It leaves you speechless as you stand in awe at such magnificent details, don’t forget to look up. The ceiling was one of my favorite features, massive crazy wooden beams. Your eyes don’t even know where to look next. Every inch of this spectacular Duomo is remarkable. The frescos are incredible and leave you asking how? How was such intricate detail put into this entire cathedral? Most of the amazing churches we have entered here in Italy, leave us asking the same questions.
http://www.bellaumbria.net/it/religione-e-spiritualita/duomo-di-orvieto/
We spent about 30 minutes inside. We all felt the same impression, this was truly an incredible experience. I will share some of my favorite photos, both Kailee and I took some beautiful ones on Sunday. We always say nothing compares to what your own eyes are able to see. But, I do feel these capture the beauty inside the Orvieto Duomo.
From there we wandered around the city. It is very active. There are numerous cafes and shops to explore, and abundance of beautiful flowers and unique doors. There’s a beautiful park overlooking the Umbrian countryside. You can also find museums and other places to checkout while in Orvieto. You can pay to see “St. Patrick’s well” also. We will purchase a ticket on our next trip, it looks fascinating. Check out the link below.
https://www.umbriatourism.it/-/pozzo-di-san-patrizio
By this time we were all pretty starving, while trying to decide what to do next, we passed a Chinese restaurant. Why not, when in Italy….have Chinese right! It was without a doubt the best Chinese food I have ever had. The cost was also very affordable, around 2-4 euros per dish. We were all stuffed, content and ready for the ride back to Poggio Nativo.
If you’re in the Rome or central Italy area and are looking for a quick day trip, try Orvieto. You will not be disappointed. If you go, spend the 5 euros and enter the beautiful Duomo. Now I know why it happens to be Kailee’s absolute favorite place in Umbria.
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it is on my list”
So many sights to see on a simple tank of gas! Get out and explore wherever you are. Sometimes the most amazing sights are just around the corner. You might be surprised! It doesn’t always have to be the major tourist spots. I wouldn’t call Orvieto a top tourist destination, and we are so glad we decided to go. Also, it was not overly crowded.
I also want to add quickly, please don’t feel you must be a Roman Catholic to experience these incredible places of worship in Italy. You don’t have to be the most religious person either to feel something walking in. I guarantee you will be overcome with awe and amazement regardless. However, personally for me as a Roman Catholic, it brings out all the emotions. It was simply beautiful and many prayers were said.
Final note: when out and about in Italy (especially summer) make sure you bring something to cover your shoulders. To enter the churches you must have your shoulders covered. I simply carry a cardigan in my backpack (because I’m usually in a summer tank top dress). I don’t mind this either, as I appreciate the respect this ensures walking into these places of worship. It is reassuring to know there are still sacred places and we must all continue to show our respect when inside.
