In the historic center of Orvieto, just a few steps from the Cathedral, Palazzo Petrvs, a historic residence housed in a 15th-century palazzo that once belonged to the wealthy notary Petrvs Facienus, is the new five-star hospitality address that this art city was missing.

There are only 9 suites, and each tells its own story.

The owner of Palazzo Petrvs is Raffaele Tysserannd, a young entrepreneur who entrusted the renovation and transformation of the historic building to architect Giuliano Andrea Dell’Uva of the eponymous studio in Naples. He asked him to create a place that “offers guests the experience of a contemporary grand tour” with spaces that “do not alter the original context.”

The house had long been abandoned, and the work began with the removal of 19th-century alterations, revealing frescoes, stone portals, coffered ceilings, and Renaissance-era fireplaces. The restoration brought back the original dimensions of the rooms, the frescoes were preserved in the condition they were found, and the unpainted walls were plastered with natural clays in warm earth tones. For the floors, terracotta was used—a nod to the city’s Etruscan history and its artisan culture. However, in the balance between old and new, which is one of the residence’s original and charming features, other floors are glossy black or gold, appearing enameled but are actually treated with thin iron sheets. The contrasting colors of black basalt bands alternating with blonde travertine are inspired by the Gothic facade of the Orvieto Cathedral and are a recurring decorative motif in both the structural elements (such as the staircase leading to the Penthouse on the top floor of the residence) and in some of the furnishings.

In the continuous, successful, harmonious dialogue of contrasts, vintage 1950s and 60s furniture finds new life in the Renaissance spaces, furnished with iconic pieces of contemporary design history, as well as others designed by architect Dell’Uva.

The restoration of Palazzo Petrvs is the recovery of a historic building through the values of culture and high-quality craftsmanship, and the harmony achieved here between the client’s vision and the architect’s concrete interpretation adds uniqueness and emotion.

Another new gem in Orvieto is Coro, a gourmet restaurant (the name refers to the ensemble of voices involved in the project, as well as an abbreviation from the names of the partners Francesco Perali and Ronald Bukri). Coro, with direct access from Palazzo Petrvs (as well as from the street), is located inside a deconsecrated 16th-century church, a former oratory that architect Giuliano Andrea Dell’Uva’s restoration project has transformed into a place of charm. High ceilings, vaulted arches, period frescoes, a few tables, and even a private room housed in a vertical cellar elevated above the main dining area.

Ronald Bukri is in the kitchen, and Francesco Perali manages the dining room. Bukri, originally Albanian but raised in Tuscany, and Perali, from Orvieto, met years ago at Igles Corelli’s Altman, and together they later opened Osticcio in Montalcino, a project that was unfortunately cut short by the pandemic. At Palazzo Petrvs, beyond the restaurant, they are responsible for breakfasts, room service, the bistro Gocce (which opens only in high season), and the cocktail bar in the Renaissance courtyard. There are three blind tasting menus: Coro Ardente (4 grilled dishes); Coro Armonico (6 dishes); and Coro Libero (10 dishes). For those who prefer not to commit to a tasting menu, there is also an à la carte option.

Ronald Bukri’s cuisine is a synthesis of his many diverse and significant professional experiences: Paolo Lopriore, Guillaume in Sydney, Sketch by Pierre Gagnaire in London, followed by Altman with Igles Corelli and Inkiostro with Terry Giacomelli. It’s a cuisine that has matured over the years—technical, rooted in Italian tradition, but still retaining the memory of his origins. Don’t miss Coro Vegetale, a simple salad combined with grilled herbs, but it’s a dish to remember! And the Miele dessert, a delicious and elegant light floral honey cream. The wine cellar is managed by Valentina de Angelis, a sommelier from Rome, with a wine list primarily focused on Orvieto and the surrounding region.