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Pozzo della Cava: A Journey Through Orvieto's Underground History

Explore Orvieto's ancient underground: Uncover Etruscan secrets and medieval history at Pozzo della Cava, a captivating archaeological well.

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Descend into the depths of Orvieto's past at Pozzo della Cava, an archaeological complex centered around an ancient well. Originally built by the Etruscans in the 6th-5th century BCE, the well has been expanded and modified over centuries, offering a unique glimpse into the city's water systems and historical artifacts.

A brief summary to Pozzo della Cava

  • Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating underground tunnels and stairs.
  • Consider visiting during the Christmas period to see the charming Nativity scene, "The Nativity in the Well".
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the entrance lines, especially during peak season.
  • The site is family-friendly, with mini-guides available for children in Italian and English.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Pozzo della Cava is located in the medieval quarter of Orvieto, easily accessible on foot from the Piazza del Duomo. From the Duomo, walk along Corso Cavour, then turn onto Via della Cava. The well is located at number 28. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by train or funicular at Piazza Matteotti, take bus 'Circolare A' from Piazza Cahen to the stop closest to the Duomo. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs €1.30 and is valid for 90 minutes, including the shuttle bus from Piazza Cahen to Piazza Duomo.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available at Campo della Fiera or Via Roma parking lots. From Campo della Fiera, take the free elevators or escalators to Piazza della Repubblica and follow walking directions to Pozzo della Cava. From Via Roma parking, walk along Corso Cavour and turn onto Via della Cava. Parking costs €1.50 per hour at both locations.

Unlock the Best of Pozzo della Cava

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Discover more about Pozzo della Cava

Pozzo della Cava is more than just a well; it's a captivating archaeological site that unveils Orvieto's rich history through its underground caves and well. The site's origins trace back to the Etruscan period, around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, when it was first constructed as a water source. The Etruscans, renowned for their engineering prowess, initially built the well to provide a reliable water supply for Orvieto's inhabitants. Over the centuries, the well underwent significant transformations. In the late 13th century, during the medieval period, it was rediscovered and expanded to support the growing city. A major expansion occurred between 1528 and 1530 when Pope Clement VII, seeking refuge in Orvieto after the Sack of Rome, commissioned its enlargement to ensure the city had water in case of a siege. This expansion even inspired Antonio da Sangallo the Younger's work on the famous St. Patrick's Well. The well itself is an impressive 36 meters deep and consists of two unified sections: a larger, round section with an average diameter of 3.4 meters and a smaller, rectangular shaft. The rectangular shaft features typical Etruscan footholds cut into the walls to allow access. Visitors can explore nine caverns beneath the medieval streets, preserving Etruscan, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. These caverns reveal a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and social transformations of Orvieto over the centuries. Visitors can explore the underground caves, discover twenty-eight centuries of Orvieto's history, and see artifacts like pottery kilns, medieval pits used for rubbish disposal, and remains of Etruscan burial tombs. The site is family-friendly, with activities and exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages.

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