Religious procession and mediaeval-style pageant in Orvieto on 23 June.

Each year on the feast of Corpus Christi, also known as Corpus Domini, the Umbrian hilltop city of Orvieto hosts a religious procession followed by a colourful mediaeval-style pageant through its ancient streets.

The 2019 edition of the hugely popular event takes place on Sunday 23 June beginning at 10.30 outside the city's majestic Duomo, whose very existence is the result of a miracle. 

In 1263 a Bohemian priest, doubting the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation or the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, set off on a pilgrimage to Rome.

While visiting a church in Bolsena, close to Orvieto, he is said to have witnessed blood dripping out of a consecrated host during Mass.

The blood-soaked altar cloth (or corporal) is still housed in a silver-gilt reliquary in the cathedral today and is venerated each year during the feast of Corpus Christi which commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist. 

Following the annual procession, the historical pageant features some 400 protagonists in mediaeval costume and armour, including dancers, singers, flag-wavers and falconers. 

For full event details see website while for insights into the history of Orvieto - situated an hour north of Rome and easily accessible by car or train - see our guide.