Orvieto

Orvieto is part of the Tentative List in order to qualify for inclusion in the World Heritage List.

Click here for a short description of the site, as delivered by the State Party


Year Decision Comments
2006 Tentative list Submitted as tentative site by State Party


Reviews

Els Slots (The Netherlands):
No, not another medieval town with a cathedral! I almost had to drag myself to go and see Orvieto. The town is conveniently located along the A1 motorway, and built upon a giant tufa rock. Parking is at lower ground, and from there elevators and escalators take you upwards.
After a quick pizza I went looking for the Duomo. From some distance the thing looks like the one in Siena (black and white stripes), but here it's the facade that really knocks you out. There are ornaments all over it: golden and bright coloured mosaics, bas-reliefs. Complete bible stories are told at several scenes.
Will this ever become a WHS? Well, you never know. Orvieto is among the relatively recent (2006) additions to the Tentative List, so Italy probably will have plans for it. Like it did with Mantua last year.
Date posted: February 2009

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