Orvieto - Heritage and Mass Tourism

January 19, 2014

Today our class arrived in the city of Orvieto, a small well-preserved city because of its rich history. Once the class arrived in the city, we were immediately escorted to our home for the next three nights. We were staying in what was once an ancient convent, which was later converted into a catholic college of some sort. Today, the building acts as what would be best described as a modern day bed and breakfast, which is still run by catholic nuns.

After in the evening Sam and I gave a presentation on the effects of mass tourism on heritage sites. Recently tourism has seen an increase in demand for cultural destinations which has in turn raised discussion about the conservation and management techniques for these pieces of heritage. In our presentation we explained that if resources (money, capital) are expended on heritage to justify tourist activity and the benefits from the tourists are enjoyed by the surrounding community, the residents’ quality of life are protected (revenue, employment). With this being said, well organized tourism leads to positive effects on the regional economy. On the other hand, poorly managed tourism does not create a positive development factor for the surrounding community. Fortunately there are economic tools, such as charges and fees, which can be used to control tourist flows.

Following our presentation I had the opportunity to wonder off by myself and visit the Duomo di Orvieto. The Duomo, or cathedral, was built and blessed by Pope Nicholas IV in 1290. The immaculate black and white striped marble cathedral offered beautiful reliefs, bronze sculptures, bronze doors, 14^th century mosaics, and gorgeous left and right wings that were covered in detailed frescos. When I got to the door of the Duomo, I did not realize that I had to pay to get in to see these works of art. I was angered at first that this church was charging tourists to enter and observe the inside of the cathedral. I felt like I was being scammed. Then I realized that this fee was necessary to preserve the precious heritage that was the 13^th century cathedral. Once I came to this understanding I was much more willing to play the tourist fee in order to walk around.

It is important to give back to the community in which you are visiting. If tourists came by the flock day in and day out to visit priceless pieces of heritage without paying fees , there would be no restoration process and these works of art would one day become destroyed. I was glad I was given the opportunity to see this beautiful cathedral today, as well as give back to the community.