Rather a restless night, then had to be up early to pack. Had breakfast outside on the little hotel terrace which was pleasant – a good spread: pastries, bread, fruit, yoghurt, eggs, cereal, ham, cheese etc – and proper tea.
We then went off to the Museo del Duomo and bought a combined ticket for various exhibitions: 13th-14th century frescoes, some Sienese paintings, a bit of woodwork (sculpture and marquetry), the original sculpture of Madonna and angels from the Duomo façade, ceramics. There was also a gallery devoted to the 20th century sculptor Emilio Greco, responsible for the Duomo front doors. Some pleasing sculptures.
In between exhibitions, nipped out to see the procession, more of the Corpus Domini festivities. Lots more costumed (medieval and Renaissance) characters, including drummers, bagpipers and soldiers (archers, chaps in armour etc). There were some fantastic outfits and shoes/boots. These were followed by the priests etc waving their incense and carrying big reliquaries. All very atmospheric.
Tried to get down to the church of San Agostino but the crowds and procession made it difficult so opted to sit in the sunny Piazza del Popolo over a drink and a sandwich and watch the goings-on.
We then tried to get back to the hotel to pick up our bags and the car, but were thwarted several times by the blasted procession – but we did manage to get back in time. We then tried to drive out of town and of course we got stopped by the procession again – looked a bit hairy at one point and Anna resorted to looking panicked at a nearby police officer and miming aeroplanes (ie flight to catch) but he wasn’t particularly bothered. Luckily it all cleared in about 10 mins.
And that was virtually that. Anna drove us to our airport where we eventually took off, about an hour late. A touch bumpy this time and I was v. scared.
Little Red Riding Hood
http://365project.org/boxplayer/extras/2012-06-10
10 June 2012
Orvieto, Italy
