Orvieto!

We landed this evening in Orvieto, another awesome hill town. We took an elevator up the side of the cliff to get up to the base of the hilltop! This town is the only duplication with our 2014 Europe tour, so we have a good feel for it already. Last time, however, we only stopped here...this time we stay for 2 nights. We raced right up to the Duomo, which we will officially see tomorrow...but we knew that in the late afternoon the sun refects off the facade, with it's gold leaf backgrounds, and is absolutely more beautiful than you can imagine. This is my favorite church I've seen...including St Mark's in Venice!


I don't know if you can see the gold glinting off the left side..? The facade is imcredibly complex. It'd take me pages to describe it, which I won't., but if ever I was tempted to, this cathedral is it! From the 4 broad marble pillars carved with bliblical scenes telling of the history of the world in 4 acts to the very top scene where Jesus crowns Mary in heaven, the facade is absolutely resplendent! More on this tomorrow...but just know, my musings WON'T do this cathedral justice. I suggest googling Orvieto Cathedral and seeing more. 

After marveling at this along with a sizable number of local townspeople, who don't appear to tire of seeing this golden splendor, we sauntered off to find some dinner. I was on the hunt for some actual vegetables, which seem to be mysteriously missing from our meat and pasra centric meals. I found them in the the cantoni section of menus...the 'sides'. Armed with this, I could order exactly what I wanted...wild boar with polenta, and a side of roast vegitables!

Turns out I love wild boar, and the grill roasted vegis, which I ate before I took the time to snap a shot, were a welcome taste!

Tomorrow there is a special annual festival in town which celebrates the miracle that originated this cathedral's being built. It should be wild, fun, crowded, and educational. We're very fortunate for our timing!