Astronomy’s Galileo tour group left Rome this morning and stopped today in Orvietro, in southwestern Umbria, where we explored a fascinating and often-overlooked town that was built up originally as an Etruscan fortress. The town (pictured at right) then changed hands repeatedly, with the Romans taking over until Goths and Lombards preceded a self-governing commune that took over the town in the 10th century.
Editor's note: We've posted more images from Dave's trip in our Online Reader Gallery's "Trips and Tours" gallery. Click on "Italy: Galileo's Tuscan Sky 2009" to see all the pictures.
The city is built atop a huge volcanic tufa shelf that extends to 900 feet above sea level and requires visitors to take a funicular railway to get to the top.
The most magnificent building in town is the Duomo, which had its foundation stone laid in 1290. Striped in white travertine and greenish-black volcanic basalt, the structure is huge and impressive. A 5-year project to adorn the facade with amazing decoration ended in 1456.
The town is an amazing, somewhat little-known treasure of Italy. After enjoying this quiet retreat, we sped into Florence and will start a slew of Galileo-related activities Monday.
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Photo credit: David J. Eicher