A wandering priest on a pilgrimage to Rome, burdened with doubts of the true Christ was asked to celebrate mass in the crypt of Santa Christina, Bolsena.

He was Peter of Prague whose doubts were abolished when a few drops of blood from a wound an a statue of Christ fell on the altar cloth during the Mass.

This happened in 1263 and was eventually the basis of the beginning of the construction of Italy's most beautiful Gothic cathedral in 1290. Today a masterpiece of craftsmanship for all to admire.

The blood stained alter cloth which was framed and mounted in Siena has its place of honour in the Cathedral and leads the annual Corpus Christi procession through the narrow streets of Orvieto. It is so famous that people coincide their visit to Italy to witness the spectacle, which starts at the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and terminates at the Cathedral.

The period costumes which are truly magnificent are the work of loral seamstresses; and along with banners, drummers and flag throwers. It is a sight not to be missed.