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Underground archaeological complex in Orvieto’s medieval quarter, with a Renaissance well, kilns, caves and Etruscan remains.
December 23, 2026 – January 10, 2027
The new edition of the nativity scene show concludes the cycle “Gli Esclusi” and tells the Nativity from the perspective of Joseph's helper. The scenes in the underground spaces are enriched with contemporary installations.
The complex extends through the caves dug into the tufa of the medieval Cava quarter. The well itself originates from a narrow Etruscan shaft of the 6th–5th century BC, perhaps a trial shaft to search for water. In 1527 Pope Clement VII, who had taken refuge in Orvieto after the Sack of Rome, had the well enlarged to guarantee a spring water supply to the city in case of siege. The works, paid for by the municipality, were completed in 1530.
In 1646 the well was closed to the public and for centuries fell into oblivion. It was rediscovered in December 1984 by the owner during renovation works, when it was filled with earth and debris to a depth of 24 metres. After excavations in 1996 it was restored to its original depth of 36 metres, and in 2004 the historic access on Via della Cava was reopened.
Thanks to the commitment of the owning family, visitors can now follow an underground route with a medieval pottery kiln, the remains of a Renaissance muffle kiln for lustreware, medieval refuse pits (butti) containing discarded finds, an Etruscan cistern and tomb, and a large cave reworked over the centuries. In 2023 the site joined the worldwide network of water museums of UNESCO-IHP.
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50children from 6 years, students under 25, over 65s, groups of at least 10 people, members of TCI, FAI and CTS, holders of tickets for some partner sites |
| Children & teens | €3.50free up to age 5 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for holders of the European Disability Card; reduction for one companion. |
| Underground route (Pozzo della Cava, Pozzo di San Patrizio, Orvieto Underground, Necropoli Etrusca) | €18Reduced €12.50; sold online or at the Carta Unica office in Piazza Cahen. |
| Etruscan route (Pozzo della Cava, Labirinto di Adriano, Museo Faina, Necropoli Etrusca) | €18Reduced €12.50; sold online or at the Carta Unica office in Piazza Cahen. |
| Carta Orvieto (all museums and monuments, valid for one year) | €35Reduced €25. |
La Bottega del Pozzo and the courtyard are free to enter. Reductions cannot be combined. The ticket entitles holders to reductions at some partner sites (including Pozzo di San Patrizio and Orvieto Underground). The Pozzo della Cava is included in the Carta Orvieto Unica.
The route runs through underground caves. For information on accessibility it is advisable to contact the museum.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
A printed mini-guide for children is available at the ticket office, presenting the underground spaces through the stories of seven characters.
From the funicular, the minibus of circular route C is recommended as far as the stop at the top of Via della Cava.
Parking available
The nearest car park is that of the former Campo della Fiera, with free lifts and escalators to the medieval quarter, a few steps from the well.
For tourist coaches: groups with a voucher for a tasting or meal can book parking via MyCicero/MooneyGo and use the escalators and lifts free of charge.
Get directionsLa Bottega del Pozzo includes a bar, a restaurant with wines, a shop selling ceramics and books, and a ceramics workshop. Entry is free.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are self-guided, with free audio guides in several languages. Guided and themed tours, tastings, craft demonstrations, mini-courses and workshops are available on booking. A printed mini-guide for children is available at the ticket office. |
