Marcus Travel Journal
Duomo, Orvieto
(Photo: mytravellinglens.com)
I always find approaching the Duomo from the side streets gives a real WOW experience.
Orvieto
The town rises dramatically above the plains of Umbria, with almost vertical cliffs. This provided the city with protection from many attacks. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, because of its defenses, the episcopal seat was transferred from Bolsena. Pope Nicholas IV laid the cornerstone for the Duomo on 15 November 1290. Outside Rome, only Orvieto and Viterbo (and eventually Avignon) had papal palaces. Pope Nicholas IV (1288–92) chose Orvieto over his hometown of Rome as seat of the Curia in 1291–92, establishing the meeting of the Curia in Orvieto as a tradition.
Castell Rubello
(Photo: mytravellinglens.com)
This castle dates back thousands of years, and to my surprise when I walked through its courtyard, is still occupied.
Pinch yourself - you are in Umbria
(Photo: mytravellinglens.com)
Oh yes, while exploring Umbria you may just have to pinch yourself!
