Historic Palaces of Orvieto

Here are some of the most beautiful and famous historic palaces in the city of Orvieto.  In addition to the medieval most important palaces (Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo Soliano and Palazzo dei Sette) there are many other elegant historic buildings all along the city center: from the Middle Age to Renaissance period who belonged to the Pope or local noble families (which often gave there name to the palaces).

Important palaces of the Medieval period:

Palazzo Comunale

Located in Piazza della Repubblica, adjacent to the church of St. Andrea, the handsome headquarters building of the Municipality of Orvieto is originally an old building (probably dating back to the twelfth century) and has been enlarged and restored over time; the last intervention dates back to 1600, at the hands of Ippolito Scalza (famous local architect and sculptor).

After being passed from noble families to the local church it has returned to its original directive occupied by the city to this day, although most of the offices were transferred to the building of the former infirmary barracks Piave. The Town Hall is well proportioned and elegant appearance and has the base of the arches that support a fine row of balconies.

Palazzo Soliano

The palace is located in Piazza Duomo, next to the cathedral. Its construction, dated 1297, was conceived to sanction a phase of reconciliation between the Pope Bonifacio VIII and the Municipality of Orvieto after which the two parts lived a period of strong tensions tied to the control of some territories of the high Lazio. The construction of this elegant building (in the Middle Ages called the “Palazzone”) represented the most evident symbol of a rediscovered peace and harmony between the Pope and the city of Orvieto. To further testify to this, in addition to the palace, the pontiff was honored with the placement of two statues dedicated to him on the niches located above the main city gates: Porta Soliana and Porta Maggiore. Today this palace hosts at the ground floor the modern art museum Emilio Greco (with an exhibition of statues and paintings) and the ticket offices of the Duomo.

Palazzo dei Sette

This palace belongs to the Middle Ages, it is set just next to the Torre del Moro and was named in medieval times because it housed the seven judges who represented the major corporations and trades of Orvieto.

Then the palace became also a residential place for the Pope and then again the house of Antonio da Sangallo (the famous architect who projected the Saint Patrick well).
Actually, this modernized palace, is a great place to host local events and art- exhibitions.

Other important Orvieto’s palaces of the Renaissance period:

Palazzo Buzi:  One of the buildings designed by the Orvieto architect Ipolito Scalza, was built around 1580 and is located on the road that connects Piazza Marconi to Piazza del Duomo.

Palazzo Ottaviani : A fine show in the great Piazza della Repubblica, today the historic headquarters of a local bank. At one time it housed Locanda delle Belle Arti, and Garibaldi stayed there once. It has high quality interiors and wooden coffered ceilings.

Palazzo Crispo Marsciano: Overlooking Piazza Marconi designed by Antonio da Sangallo, this palace has an imposing facade and is adjacent to the church of San Bernardino.

Palazzo Clementini : Started by Ipolito Scalza in 1567, but was left unfinished until 1937, when Gustavo Giovannoni completed it. Today is AEDE of the grammar school of Orvieto.

Palazzo dell’Opera del Duomo: Built by Vespignani this palace has undergone numerous interventions and improvements. It has long hosted town administrative offices, it was the active site for the construction of the Cathedral, and had a museum role with the exhibition of all the old papers related to the work of Duomo.