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Etruscan Well: A Journey into Perugia's Ancient Past

Explore Perugia's ancient Etruscan Well, a marvel of hydraulic engineering dating back to the 3rd century BC, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past.

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Descend into the depths of Perugia's history at the Etruscan Well, a remarkable feat of ancient engineering dating back to the 3rd century BC. This well, also known as the Pozzo Sorbello, offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Etruscan civilization and its mastery of hydraulic systems.

A brief summary to Etruscan Well

  • Monday 10 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • The entrance can be easy to miss, so look for number 18 Piazza Danti.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the steps down to the well can be slippery.
  • Consider purchasing the combined ticket to also visit the Palazzo Sorbello House Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza IV Novembre, walk along Via dei Priori, then turn left onto Via della Cupa. This leads directly to Piazza Ignazio Danti, where the Etruscan Well is located. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Piazza Matteotti. From there, walk approximately 5 minutes to Piazza Ignazio Danti. Bus tickets cost around €1.50. Alternatively, take the MiniMetro to the Pincetto station and walk for about 10 minutes. A single MiniMetro ticket also costs €1.50.

  • Driving

    Drive towards Perugia Centro and follow signs to the city center. Parking is available in several lots around the historic center. Closest car parks include Mercato Coperto and Briglie di Braccio. Expect to pay €1-€3 per hour for parking.

Unlock the Best of Etruscan Well

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Discover more about Etruscan Well

The Etruscan Well, or Pozzo Etrusco, is an ancient marvel located in the heart of Perugia. Constructed around the 3rd century BC, this well provided a vital water source for the Etruscan acropolis on Colle del Sole, Perugia's highest point. The well descends 37 meters, showcasing the Etruscans' advanced engineering skills. Inside Palazzo Sorbello's basement, the well was built using the same travertine blocks as the Etruscan walls. The structure features massive stone beams, each weighing approximately 8,000 kg, supporting the well's roof. The well's design allowed it to function as both a cistern and a well, collecting spring water and rainwater. Visitors can explore the well via an entrance on Piazza Danti, which leads to the underground sections of Palazzo Sorbello. A modern walkway allows visitors to safely traverse the well and view the water source far below. The site also features an educational video that provides context before entering the well's inner chamber. The well remains active, fed by three perennial springs, and has a capacity of 424,000 liters of water.

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