Orvieto in Bloom
The historic center becomes an open-air garden for Pentecost
About Orvieto in Bloom
Orvieto Dresses in Flowers
Orvieto in Bloom is the major event that, on the Pentecost weekend, transforms the historic center of Orvieto, in the Province of Terni, into a widespread open-air garden. For a few days, the streets and squares of the city on the cliff are filled with flower carpets, floral arrangements, plant markets, and cultural initiatives, in a festival that combines nature, art, and tradition.
Flower Carpets, Market, and Culture
The program intertwines the flower carpet route created by artists and schools, the horticultural market with rare collections of flowers and plants from all over Italy, concerts, exhibitions, urban trekking, and workshops. Among the recent innovations, the encounter between Orvieto ceramics and Italian lace, a UNESCO heritage, and the expansion of the festival to Orvieto Scalo.
The Palio della Palombella
The most anticipated moment is Pentecost Sunday with the Palio della Palombella, in Piazza del Popolo: a crossbowmen's tournament, a historical procession with flag-wavers, musicians, and costumed figures, a horse parade of the Ladies of the Cliff, and the awarding of the flower carpets. The festival has its roots in a centuries-old tradition linked to the 1465 wedding between Pietro Antonio Monaldeschi della Vipera and Giovanna Monaldeschi della Cervara, which brought peace between rival families and gave rise to the Palombella rite in Piazza Duomo.
Orvieto in Bloom — edition 2026
The 14th edition of Orvieto in Bloom enlivens the historic center from May 20 to 24, 2026, on Pentecost weekend. The city on the cliff transforms into an open-air garden with flower carpets, a flower market, concerts, exhibitions, urban trekking, and workshops.
Among this year's novelties: Me ne Curo, an initiative at the Giardino del Fosso dell'Abbadia based on Collaboration Pacts between the Municipality, institutions, and third-sector entities, with an extension to Orvieto Scalo; Un fiore per Orvieto, an exhibition that combines Orvieto ceramics, Italian lace, and ikebana at Palazzo dei Sette; and a horticultural market with rare collections from all over Italy.
Programme Orvieto in Bloom 2026
Wednesday, May 20
- 11:00 AM — Presentation of the flower carpet designs at the Aula Magna of the "L.O. Valentini" Art High School, with selection by Msgr. Gualtiero Sigismondi, Bishop of Orvieto-Todi
Thursday, May 21
- Giardino del Fosso dell'Abbadia: "Aria di primavera" (walk with children), Zumba, magic shows, piano concerts, "Musica in Giardino", aperitif and convivial dinner with the "L. Coscioni" Hotel Management Institute
Friday, May 22
- Flower carpet by the "G. Rodari" Primary School
- Exhibition "Un fiore per Orvieto": ceramics, lace, and ikebana at Palazzo dei Sette (within "Buongiorno Ceramica")
- Painting workshops, readings, and garden care activities
Saturday, May 23
- 8:30 AM — Urban trekking among the flower carpets
- 9:00 AM — Horticultural market in Piazza della Repubblica (rare hydrangeas, passionflowers, roses, chili peppers)
- 5:00 PM — Ribbon cutting and flower carpet tour with jury
- 9:30 PM — Dance performance "Eravamo Semi" (Piazza XXIX Marzo)
Sunday, May 24 (Pentecost)
- 12:00 PM — Descent of the Palombella (Piazza Duomo)
- 4:30 PM — Procession with figures, flag-wavers, musicians, nobles, and neighborhood representatives
- 5:30 PM — Palio della Palombella (Piazza del Popolo): crossbowmen's tournament, medieval shows, equestrian carousel of the Ladies of the Cliff, and awarding of the flower carpets
Highlights Orvieto in Bloom 2026
Prices Orvieto in Bloom 2026
Practical information — Orvieto in Bloom
Where
Historic center of Orvieto (TR): Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Palazzo dei Sette, and other venues. Extended also to Orvieto Scalo.
Admission
Most of the events are free admission.
How to get there
Orvieto is on the Rome-Florence railway line (Orvieto Scalo station) and on the A1 motorway, Orvieto exit. The funicular connects the Scalo to the center on the cliff.
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Where does it take place — Orvieto in Bloom
Centro storico di Orvieto