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Chapel of San Brizio: A Renaissance Masterpiece

Marvel at Signorelli's apocalyptic visions in Orvieto's Chapel of San Brizio, a Renaissance masterpiece of art and architecture.

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The Chapel of San Brizio, or Cappella Nuova, within Orvieto's Duomo, is a breathtaking display of Renaissance art. Begun in the 15th century and completed in the early 16th, it features iconic frescoes by Luca Signorelli depicting the Apocalypse and Last Judgment, which are said to have inspired Michelangelo.

A brief summary to Chapel of St. Britius

  • Piazza del Duomo, 26, Orvieto, Province of Terni, 05018, IT

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the frescoes.
  • Bring a guidebook or download an audio guide for deeper insights into the chapel's artwork and history.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Orvieto Underground to explore the city's ancient Etruscan caves.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chapel of St. Britius is located in the Piazza del Duomo. From anywhere in Orvieto's historic center, walk towards the Duomo. The chapel is inside the cathedral.

  • Public Transport

    From the Orvieto train station (Orvieto Scalo), take the funicular to Piazza Cahen in the city center. From Piazza Cahen, either take Bus A or walk along Corso Cavour and Via del Duomo to Piazza del Duomo. A funicular ticket costs €1.30 per person one way.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Orvieto train station. A taxi ride to Piazza del Duomo will take approximately 10-15 minutes. The taxi fare will likely be around €15-€20. Call 0763.301903 for taxi service.

  • Car

    From the A1 Autostrada, exit at Orvieto and follow signs for 'Centro Storico'. Park in one of the public garages such as Parcheggio Campo della Fiera or Parcheggio Duomo. From Campo della Fiera, take the escalators or lift to the city center, then walk along Via Garibaldi, Corso Cavour, and Via del Duomo to reach Piazza del Duomo. Parking costs approximately €1.50 per hour. Parking at Piazza Duomo costs €2.00 per hour and €17.00 daily, with payment required from 9:00 to 20:00.

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Discover more about Chapel of St. Britius

The Chapel of San Brizio, also known as the Cappella Nuova (New Chapel), is located within the Duomo of Orvieto and stands as a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Renaissance. Construction began in 1408 and concluded in 1444, with the chapel later dedicated in 1622 to Saint Britius, an early bishop who evangelized Orvieto. The chapel's interior showcases layers of travertine marble and basalt. The decoration of the chapel began in 1447 with Fra Angelico and Benozzo Gozzoli, who started the vault with depictions of Christ the Judge and Prophets. The work was then continued by Luca Signorelli, who, between 1499 and 1502, painted the walls with vivid scenes of the Apocalypse, including the Preaching of the Antichrist, the End of the World, the Resurrection of the Dead, and the Damned and the Elect. Signorelli's frescoes are celebrated for their dramatic intensity and anatomical detail, influencing artists like Michelangelo. Inside the chapel, visitors can also admire the panel of the Madonna della Tavola, attributed to a late 13th-century master from Orvieto. The chapel is closed off from the rest of the cathedral by two wrought iron gates, the first signed by Sienese master Conte di lello Orlandi (1337) and the second by Gismondo da Orvieto (1516).

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