I’ve never been to Orvieto in the winter.  I’ve never seen the way the city is lit up for Christmas.  Never experienced this magical time of year in the place I consider the most magical!  But, my friend and guide Lucianna, of Umbria in Tour, has allowed me to use her photos to allow us a glimpse into Christmas in Orvieto.

The Duomo is spectacular under any circumstances, but I think this shooting star makes it even more brilliant.  There are many churches in Orvieto, but the Duomo is a focal point and a must-visit when you are there.  The interior is just as breathtaking, even more so at this time of year.

I can only imagine how moving Christmas mass is being surrounded by such beauty.  Even though the Duomo is massive, the community here is small, so for many, like Lucianna, it’s their regular church, whether for Sunday mass or Christmas.

Because Orvieto is a small, hilltop town, I imagine it feels like a Christmas village with decorations everywhere.  Trees and images and lights projected on buildings all over town add to the holiday spirit no matter where you are.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza della Repubblica

While Christmas looks different this year for most of us due to Covid-19, we can still dream about far away places and spaces and plan for when we can travel again.

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2021!

If you’re interested in learning more about Orvieto, check out some of my other posts:

The Majestic Duomo of Orvieto

An Aching Heart

Discover Orvieto

And if you’re inspired to visit Orvieto during this season of lights, please visit Music and Markets, another Slow Travel Tours member.  I’ve always wanted to be in Orvieto for the Winter Jazz Festival so maybe I’ll see you there!

Michelle Logue leads cultural and creative adventures in Orvieto, Italy. With a mandate to provide "travel that transforms", Adventures in Italy gives guests an immersive experience. After more than 15 years of return trips, Orvieto has become a welcoming home base surpassing the typical Italian vacation. Adventures in Italy operates trips in May and September, with two options: Artistic Enrichment nurtures creative expression, while Discover Orvieto invites visitors to focus on the history and culture of Orvieto and live as locals. Find out more about tours and special offers by following Adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit www.adventuresinitaly.ca Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.