Palazzi Papali

The Papal Palaces on Orvieto's Piazza del Duomo preserve the medieval city's role as a residence of the papal court. The palace range grew through several building phases and now forms part of the cathedral complex.

Why it matters

Orvieto's defensible position made it an important refuge for medieval popes. The palaces reflect the needs of the papal court during stays in the city and help explain Orvieto's political prominence in the thirteenth century.

What to notice

The palace range includes buildings associated with Urban IV, Martin IV and Nicholas IV. A rectangular tower rises behind the palace attributed to Martin IV. A long loggia once joined the buildings; its arches were walled up in the sixteenth century and reopened during restoration work begun in 1958.

Context and history

Construction and remodelling continued across the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. After the papacy moved to Avignon, the complex declined and passed through several civic and religious uses. Palazzo Soliano, begun in 1297, was later used by the Opera del Duomo. Museum spaces in parts of the complex have undergone redevelopment; the palaces remain a significant part of Orvieto's cathedral precinct.