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Church of Saint Dominic: A Fragment of History

Explore the Church of Saint Dominic in Orvieto: a historic Dominican church with notable art, architecture, and the legacy of St. Thomas Aquinas.

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The Church of Saint Dominic in Orvieto, dating back to 1233, stands as one of the Dominican Order's earliest churches. Though significantly reduced in size after a 1930s demolition, it still houses notable artworks and a rich history.

A brief summary to Church of Saint Dominic

  • Piazza Ventinove Marzo, 13A, Orvieto, Province of Terni, 05018, IT
  • +390763347154

Local tips

  • Visit the Petrucci Chapel to see the polychrome floor, an early example of majolica use in the city.
  • Look for the alternating colors of travertine and basalt that highlight the church's facade.
  • See the desk of St. Thomas Aquinas, a relic of his time teaching at the adjacent monastery.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza del Duomo, walk north along Corso Cavour. Turn left onto Via Lorenzo Maitani, then continue onto Piazza XXIX Marzo. The Church of Saint Dominic will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    From the Orvieto train station (Orvieto Scalo), take the funicular to Piazza Cahen. From Piazza Cahen, take Bus A to Piazza XXIX Marzo. The church is located on the piazza. A funicular ticket costs €1.30 per person each way. A bus ticket is included in the funicular ticket and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available in Orvieto. The Parcheggio Funicolare in Piazza della Pace (Orvieto Scalo) is free and convenient for taking the funicular up to the city center. Alternatively, paid parking is available at Via Roma and Campo della Fiera, closer to the city center. From these parking locations, follow signs to Piazza XXIX Marzo. Parking fees are approximately €1.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Church of Saint Dominic

Located on Piazza Ventinove Marzo in Orvieto, the Church of Saint Dominic holds a unique place in the city's religious and architectural landscape. Construction began in 1233, just a few years after the death of Saint Dominic, making it one of the first churches dedicated to the Dominican Order. The church was erected on the site of a pre-existing church, Santa Maria della Pace. Originally, the church featured a nave and two aisles, a design typical of Dominican churches of the era, intended to facilitate preaching to large congregations. However, much of the original structure was demolished in 1932 to make way for the Female Academy of Gymnastics, under the Fascist regime. Today, only the apse and transept remain, offering a glimpse into the church's former grandeur. Despite its truncation, the Church of Saint Dominic retains significant artistic and historical value. It is renowned for housing the desk used by St. Thomas Aquinas during his time teaching in Orvieto in the 1260s. Another highlight is the Monument to Cardinal De Braye, sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambio around 1282, which includes a Madonna statue believed to be a 2nd-century BC Roman sculpture. The Petrucci Chapel, designed by Michele Sanmicheli in the early 16th century, features an octagonal plan and intricate sculptures. The church once housed the San Domenico Polyptych by Simone Martini, now located in the Orvieto Cathedral's Museum. The current entrance, once a side facade, showcases alternating bands of travertine and basalt, leading to a portal with a 14th-century fresco of the Virgin and Child.

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