Basilica Santa Maria, Orvieto

driving to Orvieto

Still in Rome

as many of the houses are built on top of each other, there are frequent tunnels — many of them with little shops

plaza opposite the Basilica Santa Maria

beautiful curling columns

doorway detail

Basilica Santa Maria, Orvieto

the black and grey striped stone walls visible above and at right were common in the fancier churches

massive metal doors

looking down the Basilica towards the altar. You can see the basalt and travertine (black and white) striped stone columns. People were expected to stand for the service.

ceiling cupola above the altar

• on the left The Preaching of the Antichrist by Signorelli
• on the right, The Elect are Taken to Heaven by Signorelli

beautiful rose window

view of the vault, Christ in Judgement

Etruscan vase

the Tree of Life

Arthur examines the heavy metal bands to stabilize the basalt and travertine columns

front facade of the Basilica Santa Maria

tomb

tomb

doorway

modern pottery shop

Alpine guards
Notice the alternating basalt and travertine stone in the building’s walls