"The Duomo ( 3 photos )" Orvieto Things to Do Tip by nicolaitan

The Gothic cathedral of Orvieto is a truly remarkable site with construction begun in 1290. There is no more thrilling sight than to come upon the cathedral from one of the narrow adjacent walkways as pictured herel The exterior is striped in white travertine and a greenish-black basalt. The facade includes sculptures by Lorenzo Maitani detailing scenes from Genesisas well as New Testment scenes, bronze dragons, and gables with mosaics highlighted in gold creating an unforgettable appearance. The interior is relatively plain except for the San Brizio chapel which contains frescoes by Signorelli believed to be the inspiration for the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. These include the "Last Judgement", his masterpiece. Others are inspired by Dante and picture the resurrection of the dead, Paradise, and Hell. Some scenes are believed to picture the torture and death of Savonarola. There are also frescoes by Fra Angelico. In a second chapel, there is a self-portrait of Signorelli with Fra Angelico.