Orvieto: Umbria at its finest
For many, the difference between Tuscany & Umbria is visibly small, but for the experienced traveler and native, it’s like stepping into a different country. From food, wine, culture and even the language, you can see many differences between the two regions. Both are fantastic, and those staying in Tuscany should make an effort to visit the rugged countryside and small villages of Umbria. So this coming May 11th, why not make your way to the charming village of Orvieto for the feast of the Palombella? Since 1404, this celebrated tradition of the white dove has been virtually unitnerupted. In the beginning, the event was held inside the Duomo where, from a wall, a white dove, "la palombella", its wings tied open wide with red silk ribbons to a haloed structure, slid along a thin wire stretching to a wooden canopy, set on the main altar, representing the scene of the Last Supper, on which the Virgin Mary and the Apostles were painted. At noon the arrival of the haloed structure on the Last Supper and small flames were lit on the heads of the Apostles, a sign of the descent of the Holy Spirit. This was accompanied by a loud outburst of fireworks. In 1864, an old order of the 1725 Concilio Laterano, was applied, which prohibited fireworks within the churches. The Palombella event was at that point moved outside of the Duomo in the square. From the very first events, the popular belief that there would be a good harvest if the “Palombella” reached the canopy of the Last Supper without stopping along the wire, came through. Another tradition is that to give the white dove to the couple who last got married in Orvieto. ?
Even if you can’t make the festival, Orvieto is a fantastic day trip. Careful with a car, the streets are small and winding. Better yet, take the train from Florence and the bus up to the city center. From here you’ll have incredible views of the countryside, the charming squares and piazzas, the Duomo, Etruscan ruins and the underground city. Positively stunning and a real treat for those that think they have seen it all!