Reliefs on pier 4

The Gothic façade of the Orvieto Cathedral is one of the great masterpieces of the Late Middle Ages. The bas-reliefs on the piers depict biblical stories from the Old and New Testament. They are considered among the most famous of all 14th-century sculpture.

Pier 4 contains 9 scenes showing the Last Judgment (Book of Revelation). They depict from bottom left to top right:

• Scene 1: Uncovered tombs.
• Scene 2: Damned and Hell.
• Scene 3: People awaiting judgment.
• Scene 4: People awaiting judgment.
• Scene 5: Elected.
• Scene 6: Elected.
• Scene 7: Apostles.
• Scene 8: Christ the Judge.
• Scene 9: Apostles.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 8 minutes): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem K 626: Dies irae