Orvieto

A picturesque town whose origins date back to the Etruscans: it flourished under Rome, was Vitiges' stronghold during the Gothic War and led a troubled existence when, having established itself as an independent commune, it became a centre of Guelphism. During the communal period it was enriched with several significant palazzi of Romanesque-Gothic structure, and in 1290 it began the construction of the Duomo, which went on for centuries. Designed by the Sienese architect Maitani, it saw the work of distinguished artists over the various periods, such as Federighi, Pisano and Sammicheli. The rose window of the facade and the portals are magnificent.