Pozzo di San Patrizio
Sixteenth-century well in Orvieto with two independent spiral staircases, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The well was commissioned by Pope Clement VII, who had taken refuge in Orvieto after the Sack of Rome in 1527, as a water reserve for the city in case of siege. The design was entrusted to Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, and the works were completed under Paul III, around 1537. It was originally called the Pozzo della Rocca, after the nearby fortress; the present name, referring to the Irish well where Saint Patrick used to pray, became established in the 19th century, when the fortress had lost its military function.
The structure has a diameter of about 13 metres and a depth of more than 50 metres. Two independent spiral staircases, with 248 steps each, descend the shaft without meeting and are connected by a small bridge at the bottom, so that pack animals could go down and up without getting in each other's way. Light enters through 72 windows opened in the inner wall. During the excavation Etruscan finds were also discovered.
For the work Benvenuto Cellini struck a commemorative medal with the motto “Ut bibat populus”. The visit is self-guided, going down one staircase and up the other; inside, the temperature stays at around 14 °C.
Highlights
- Two independent spiral staircases with 248 steps each
- Bridge connecting the two staircases at the bottom of the well
- 72 inner windows lighting the shaft
- Work by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger
- Operated by
- Sistema Museo
- Visitors per year
- approx. 250,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
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| Reduced | €4.50groups of at least 6 people, students, over-65s, under-18s, people with disabilities, TCI members and holders of the Pozzo della Cava ticket |
The ticket can be bought online; admission is included in the Carta Unica di Orvieto.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The well is listed as not accessible to people with mobility disabilities; visitors with disabilities are entitled to the reduced ticket.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The visit is self-guided: you go down one staircase and up the other, for a total of 496 steps. A light garment is recommended, because inside the temperature is about 14 °C. |
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