Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
All the practical answers to help you plan your visit to Orvieto Cathedral
HOURS AND TICKETS
Opening hours and tickets
What are the opening hours of Orvieto Cathedral?
Opening hours can vary depending on the season, liturgical celebrations and any extraordinary notices. Current opening hours for the Cathedral and the Museo dell’Opera are published on the official Opera del Duomo website.
How much does a ticket for Orvieto Cathedral cost?
Admission conditions and prices change over the course of the year. Some areas of the monumental complex, such as the Cappella di San Brizio (Chapel of San Brizio), the Museum and the Underground, are covered by dedicated routes. Current details are on the Tickets page of the official website.
Is Orvieto Cathedral free to enter?
Access to the cathedral and to the special areas — the Cappella di San Brizio, the Duomo museum and the underground tunnels — is set by the Opera del Duomo and can change. Current conditions are on the Tickets page of the official website.
Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
It is advisable in high season. Bookings, group visits and special requests are handled on the Bookings and enquiries page of the official website.
Does the Cathedral close during Mass and liturgical celebrations?
Yes. During liturgical celebrations tourist visits are not permitted.
Is there a discount for children, students or seniors?
Admission conditions for children, students and seniors are set by the Opera del Duomo and can change over time. Current details are on the Tickets page of the official website.
Where can I buy tickets for Orvieto Cathedral?
Tickets can be bought online on the Tickets page of the official Opera del Duomo website, or at the ticket office of the monumental complex.
When is the best time of year to visit Orvieto Cathedral?
Spring and autumn generally offer the best balance of weather, light and visitor numbers.
CAPPELLA DI SAN BRIZIO
The Cappella di San Brizio
Who painted the frescoes in the Cappella di San Brizio?
The Cappella di San Brizio (Chapel of San Brizio) was begun by Fra Angelico in 1447 and completed by Luca Signorelli between 1499 and 1504.
Why is the Cappella di San Brizio famous?
It is considered one of the absolute masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, above all for Luca Signorelli’s Last Judgement cycle.
What do Luca Signorelli’s frescoes depict?
They depict scenes of the Last Days: the Sermon of the Antichrist, the Resurrection of the Flesh, the Elect, the Damned and Hell.
What is the difference between the Cappella di San Brizio and the Cappella del Corporale?
The Cappella di San Brizio is famous for Signorelli’s fresco cycle; the Cappella del Corporale (Chapel of the Corporal) is instead linked to the Miracle of Bolsena.
Did the Cappella di San Brizio really inspire Michelangelo?
Yes. Art historians recognise Signorelli’s cycle as an important influence on the Sistine Chapel.
How long does it take to visit the Cappella di San Brizio?
Around 30–45 minutes are recommended to appreciate the frescoes properly.
Is the Cappella di San Brizio accessible to people with disabilities?
For accessibility details it is best to contact the Opera del Duomo directly.
FACADE AND INTERIOR
The Facade and Interior of the Cathedral
Who designed the facade of Orvieto Cathedral?
The facade is associated above all with Lorenzo Maitani, who worked on the site around 1310.
How many years did it take to build Orvieto Cathedral?
Construction lasted more than two centuries, from the late thirteenth century until the facade was completed in the sixteenth.
What is the rose window on the Cathedral facade?
The great rose window, attributed to Orcagna, is one of the most iconic elements of the facade and has the face of Christ at its centre.
What do the bas-reliefs on the facade depict?
They tell the story of the Creation, the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Last Judgement.
How is the interior of the Cathedral laid out?
The interior has three naves and includes the celebrated Cappella del Corporale and Cappella di San Brizio.
UNDERGROUND AND TOWER
The Underground and the Torre del Maurizio
What is the Orvieto Underground?
It is a vast system of caves and chambers carved into the tufa rock beneath the city of Orvieto.
How can the Orvieto Underground be visited?
It is visited on organised guided tours departing from the historic centre.
What is the Torre del Maurizio?
It is the medieval tower of the Duomo complex, with its famous bronze automaton that strikes the hours.
Can I visit the Torre del Maurizio?
The tower can be visited only on special occasions or during extraordinary openings.
Who built the Torre del Maurizio?
The tower dates from the fourteenth century and is linked to the medieval building works of the Duomo.
GETTING THERE AND INFO
Getting There and Useful Information
How do I get to Orvieto by train?
Orvieto has a railway station on the Rome–Florence line; from the station forecourt you go up to the centre by funicular.
How does the Orvieto funicular work?
The funicular links the station to Piazza Cahen, from where you continue towards the historic centre.
Is there parking in Orvieto?
Yes. There are car parks at the foot of the rock and convenient points for reaching the centre, including Campo della Fiera.
How far is the Cathedral from the railway station?
From the station you reach the Duomo in a few minutes using the funicular and city connections, or on a longer walk.
How far is Orvieto from Rome?
Orvieto is about 120 km from Rome.
How far is Orvieto from Florence?
Orvieto is about 170 km from Florence.
Is Orvieto Cathedral a UNESCO site?
Orvieto Cathedral is not a UNESCO site in its own right, but it is recognised as one of the great Italian Gothic monuments.
How long does it take to visit the Cathedral?
A full visit takes at least 1.5–2 hours.
Is the Cathedral suitable for families with children?
Yes. The Duomo can be visited as a family and offers many visual details that children find engaging.
Are there other attractions near Orvieto Cathedral?
Yes. Nearby you will find Palazzo Soliano, the Torre del Maurizio, the Torre del Moro, the Pozzo di San Patrizio (St Patrick’s Well) and other historic sites in the centre.
Can Orvieto Cathedral be seen from the outside free of charge?
Yes. The facade of the Duomo can be admired free of charge from Piazza del Duomo.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Didn’t find your answer?
For up-to-date information on opening hours, tickets and availability, always check the official website of the Opera del Duomo di Orvieto.
Official Opera del Duomo website → How to get there →