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Orvieto and SiennaMay 2, 2008
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The Cathedral at Orvieto
Would LOVE to hear this organ
| Orvieto is another hilltop town that we first noticed driving down from Florence on the AutoStrada. Orvieto is known for its excellent white wine, which we enjoyed one evening. We share the comments of other travelers to Italy, that the Churches seem to define the town. Orvieto has a nice chuch but what stood out the most was the organ. Several ranks of pipes were arranged around the church and we suspect that a highlight would be to hear that organ. It is said by some that Siena is the best preserved Medieval town, although many of these towns still have and use their medieval structures from the gates to the walls to the castles. To us the cathedral is Siena. Siena and Florence were competitors during the Rennaisance, and the Michelangelos and Berninis were going back and forth delivering some pretty lucrative commissions. While Florence went for big DUOMO, yeah, Siena went for fancy Duomo, whee, and boy did they ever. The exterior is covered with statues of saints, animials, and all kinds of other creatures. This was a place that we didn't mind waiting in line (even in the rain) because the facade was so interesting. Several colors of carved marble, pink? its ok, this is Rennaisance. Inside, works by Bernini, Michelangelo and the pulpit by Donatello. An artistic hit parade. The frescos in the library are orginal and have not been restored. Amazing to see the brilliant colors and the detail. Enjoy. |
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