Orvieto

When Lou was in town visiting Dave I tagged along with them for a day-trip to Orvieto.  I've been there before, back in 2003, but only for a few hours, and ever since I've wanted to go back and spend a bit more time.  There isn't a whole lot to do in the small town, and that's the point.  Not many tourists make the trip, and it was especially empty when we went given that it was a chilly and rainy January afternoon. 

Like the duomo in Siena, Orvieto's main church is a rare example of Italian "Gothic" architecture.  I use quotes because it is nothing like the true Gothic architecture of the north, neither in style nor conception, as seen in my Wells post.  The main reason for this is because "Gothic", meaning "of the Gauls", is a style that originated in the north, and the Italians wanted nothing to do with it.  What they produced during that time period is uniquely their own, as seen here.  There is a rose window (the central round stain glass window), elaborately carved arches over the doorways, pinnacles at the top of the facade, and a lot of tracery work, but that is where the similarities between the two styles end.

Another architectural trait unique to central Italy and Tuscany is the use of white and black stones in the framework of churches.  I love this view and how the supporting arches and buttresses intersect the otherwise consistently horizontal patterning of the brickwork.

A close up of the side of the facade

On the front of the facade (seen in the first picture) are reliefs depicting the last judgment.  The emotion conveyed in the carving is incredible.

My favorite part of the church, however, is the intricate and elaborate twisting columns and relief work on the front.

 
Each delicate column is inlaid with mosaic

A view of Umbria

Walking back towards the church at the end of our day