History of Freud in Orvieto

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History of Freud in Orvieto — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

History of Freud in Orvieto, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

When Freud visited Orvieto in September 1897, he was so impressed by what he saw and experienced during his three days, that it changed the course of his life, and thus ours. What was it that triggered his Epiphany? This tour will show you.

He was halfway through life's journey, but like his hero Dante, lost in a dark wood. He was suffering from anxiety and confusion, but also the intellectual excitement of a new start. He was mourning the death of his father. He had suffered a hostile reception to his latest theory by his peers. He was fearful of rising antisemitism in Vienna. He was also withdrawing from cocaine addiction.

We shall retrace his steps and I will illustrate why these Orvieto places had such a profound effect. Orvieto's Etruscan sites and museums unleashed his passion for archeology and antique collecting. The tour embraces art, psychology, archeology, and the biography of a genius. The famous Freudian slip was born of his visit here.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 6 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English, Italian
Operated by: Camera Etrusca Photography Holidays & Workshops in Italy

Ages: Adults (6–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Walking tour of the principal places Freud visited during his stay in Orvieto

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Teatro Mancinelli

45 min

We meet here where I will give a broad outline of the places we shall visit and the effect that they had on Freud.
Piazza della Repubblica

45 min Admission included

Palazzo Bisenzi off Piazza Repubblica was once the home of the 'Hotel Delle Belle Arti' where Freud stayed on each of his three trips to Orvieto. Also, the Church of Sant Andrea with its remarkable fresco of St Julian the Hospitaller affected Freud.
Stop 3

45 min Admission included

The well is 50m deep and a wonder of Renaissance architecture. After the cathedral, it has been the number two attraction since even before Freud's day. It is analogous to Freud's descent into his unconscious.
Stop 4

one hour Admission included

Freud visited the Etruscan Necropolis whose house-like tombs so affected him that a dream he had about being buried in one, made its way into 'The Interpretation of Dreams'. We stop for a coffee here at the Igloo Café.
Duomo di Orvieto

45 min Admission included

You will be accompanied into the cathedral to see the 'End of the World' frescoes by Renaissance artist Luca Signorelli that so influenced Freud that they led eventually to the discovery of the 'Freudian slip'. We shall also see the fresco cycle illustrating the Miracle of Bolsena and the remarkable Baroque sculpture, The Pietà, by Scalza, both of which affected Freud.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The Theatre Café has its entrance next to the Theatre's main entrance 122, Corso Cavour. We shall meet inside the Café. I will wear a hat.

End point

The Theatre Café has its entrance next to the Theatre's main entrance 122, Corso Cavour. We shall meet inside the Café. I will wear a hat.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Most of the tour is a walkabout, but for the Etruscan Cemetery you will be taken by car