Al San Giovenale Restaurant
The ancient building that today houses the Al San Giovenale Restaurant of Orvieto is almost certainly the earliest church erected in Orvieto by the Augustinians in 1264 and, together with the other three churches built in the city by the order in the 13th century, constitutes the architectural ‘base’ that was to culminate in the world famous Duomo.
Recent restoration works have done away with the alterations made to the building in later centuries, including a 17th century vaulted ceiling. With the reopening of the magnificent gothic windows and the arch leading into the adjacent square, the building now looks much as it would have done when it was first erected.
With the insertion of a modern structure in steel that in no way interferes with the original construction, this vast space now combines the magic of 12th century Romanesque architecture with 21st century standards of comfort and style.
Now the Al San Giovenale Restaurant of Orvieto, the building stands at the extremity of the north-west Medieval quarter of town and is clearly visible along with the Church of San Giovenale and the Convent of the Augustinians from the valley beneath and from the A1 Rome-Florence motorway.
In Piazza San Giovenale, on the southern side of the building, stands the Church of Sant'Agostino, founded in 1264 by the order of mendicant friars over a pre-existing church dedicated to St Lucy. Today the church is used as a prestigious art show venue.
Behind the square stands the well-known Church of San Giovenale.
From the magnificent example of Romanesque architecture there is a stunning view over the countryside beneath the city. The original church was built in 1004, possibly over a pagan Etruscan temple dedicated to Jove that had in turn been surmounted by a paleo-Christian church consecrated to St Giovenale and near another religious building dedicated to St Savino.
This was probably the earliest Duomo of Orvieto and its construction was financed by seven among the city’s most noble families.
WELCOME TO UMBRIA !
The Management
info@alsangiovenalediorvieto.com
