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Ecclesia Cathedralis
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Interior of Orvieto Cathedral, the central nave

Since 1290

History of Orvieto Cathedral

Two centuries of building work, popes, architects and craftsmen to shape one of the greatest masterpieces of Italian Gothic.

“Orvieto, where Sienese art set down the most beautiful cathedral in Italy — that immense and minute facade, like a carved miniature, like a page that cannot be turned.”

— Cesare Brandi, Terre d’Italia

Before the Cathedral

The origins of the cathedral

Before the present cathedral was built, the religious heart of Orvieto was occupied by the church of Santa Maria de Episcopatu, later also remembered as Santa Maria Prisca, and by the canonical church of San Costanzo.

At the end of the thirteenth century, the frequent presence of the papal court in Orvieto made the need for a large new church evident — one suited to papal celebrations and to the growing importance of the city.

On 13 November 1290, in the presence of Pope Nicholas IV, the foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid. The same pope later commemorated that beginning by granting an indulgence to the new church on 23 August 1291.

Did you know

The Duomo is dedicated to the Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven. Its full name is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Orvieto.

Timeline

Two centuries of building work

  • 1290
    Pope Nicholas IV lays the foundation stone on 13 November. Work on the new Duomo begins.
  • c. 1310
    Lorenzo Maitani takes a decisive role in the facade and in the three-gabled design actually adopted.
  • 1321
    Consilio da Monteleone becomes the first documented glassmaker of the Duomo and works on the mosaics and decoration of the facade.
  • 1358
    Andrea di Cione, known as Orcagna, directs the works and creates the celebrated rose window.
  • 1447–1504
    Fra Angelico and then Luca Signorelli fresco the Cappella di San Brizio.
  • 1532
    The facade can be considered architecturally complete.
  • 1970
    The three bronze doors by Emilio Greco are installed, commissioned in 1962 and delivered in 1964.

Opening hours and tickets may change during the year. Up-to-date information is always published on the official channels of the Opera del Duomo.

Official hours → Tickets →

Frequently asked questions

FAQ — History of Orvieto Cathedral

When was Orvieto Cathedral built?
Construction began on 13 November 1290 in the presence of Pope Nicholas IV. The facade can be considered architecturally complete in 1532.
Who designed Orvieto Cathedral?
The cathedral is the result of a long building campaign. The most important name for the facade is Lorenzo Maitani, active from around 1310; later Orcagna and Ippolito Scalza also worked on it.
To whom is Orvieto Cathedral dedicated?
The Duomo is dedicated to the Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven.
Why was Orvieto Cathedral built?
It arose in part to accommodate the presence of the papal court in Orvieto, for which the earlier city cathedral had become inadequate.
How many years did it take to build Orvieto Cathedral?
More than two centuries: from 1290 to 1532 for the architectural completion of the facade.

Keep exploring

The Cathedral facade →