Pozzo Etrusco
Large Etruscan well-cistern of the 3rd century BC, 37 metres deep, open to visitors in the basement of Palazzo Sorbello in the centre of Perugia.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The well lies near the Colle del Sole, at 477 metres above sea level, the highest point of Perugia, and is one of the most important examples of Etruscan hydraulic engineering. It was built in the second half of the 3rd century BC in ground of fluvio-lacustrine origin: a cylindrical cavity about 5.6 metres in diameter for the first 12 metres, lined with large blocks similar to those of the Etruscan walls, which then narrows to about 3 metres down to a depth of 37 metres. It is fed by three perennial springs.
Its covering is unusual: it consists of travertine beams laid without mortar, which form two “trusses” weighing about 80 quintals each. The present well-head dates from the first decades of the 16th century; on the iron grille appear the date 1768 and the coats of arms of the families Bourbon di Sorbello and Eugeni, former owners of the building. In 2015 the Comune completed the restoration of the well-head with the support of the Art Bonus.
From July 2016 the well has been managed by the Fondazione Ranieri di Sorbello, which also runs the Casa Museo di Palazzo Sorbello. In 2017 the old footbridge at the base was replaced by a structure of glass and iron, and a new lighting system and a reception room were installed; the reception room preserves remains of a medieval tower and screens a short introductory video in 3D.
Highlights
- Etruscan well-cistern 37 metres deep
- Travertine covering with “trusses” laid without mortar
- Glass and iron footbridge at the base of the well
- Reception room with remains of a medieval tower and 3D video
- Kids corner with an animated video and the Etruscan alphabet
- Operated by
- Fondazione Ranieri di Sorbello
- Visitors per year
- approx. 77,932
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Holders of the Perugia Sotterranea ticket or of the full-price Casa Museo ticket, escorts of people with disabilities, groups of more than 10 people, members of the Touring Club and FAI, young people aged 13 to 18, students of cultural heritage and the fine-arts academy, FIAB members, holders of the Minimetro ticket, visitors arriving by bicycle or scooter |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 12: €1. School classes: €2 per student. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities; escort with reduced ticket. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50Students of the faculty of cultural heritage and of the fine-arts academy. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of more than 10 people (paying adults at full price). |
| Combined ticket (Pozzo Etrusco, Casa Museo di Palazzo Sorbello and temporary exhibitions) | €9 |
Free admission also for ICOM members and journalists; teachers and escorts of school classes are free.
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
According to the Comune di Perugia's information page, the well is not accessible to people with mobility impairments. A guide in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is available on the website; the kids corner video has subtitles.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Baby changing facilities
The Pozzo Etrusco takes part in the “Umbria for Family” project of the Regione Umbria: there are areas for leaving pushchairs, changing tables, toilet seat reducers and stools. The kids corner offers an animated video in Italian and English and a panel with the Etruscan alphabet; workshops for children are organised by booking.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The adjacent bookshop offers reproductions of Etruscan objects and gifts. The site also welcomes dogs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and special initiatives by booking only (tel. +39 075 573 3669). A short introductory video in 3D is screened in the reception room; a virtual tour is also available on the website. |
