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Archaeological site · Orvieto, Úmbria
Pozzo della Cava
Etruscan-origin well 36 meters deep, reopened by Pope Clement VII and rediscovered in 1984, amid nine caves with a medieval pottery kiln and Etruscan remains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pozzo della Cava
The Pozzo della Cava is in the medieval quarter, on the western side of Orvieto, beneath the houses of Via della Cava. It is an Etruscan-origin well that Pope Clement VII ordered widened in 1527, before commissioning the Pozzo di San Patrizio, to secure water for the town. It is 36 meters deep and there is still water at the bottom.
The well was closed in 1646 and forgotten for centuries. It was rediscovered in 1984 by a family renovating their house, and the caves around it were excavated in the following years. It is a privately owned site open to visitors.
The self-guided route passes through nine interconnected caves: a medieval pottery kiln with discarded pieces, the butti — pits where residents threw rubbish and which today reveal everyday medieval objects — cisterns, an Etruscan tomb and water collection tunnels.
The complex is part of UNESCO's global network of water museums. The visit complements the guided underground tours from the Piazza del Duomo and is less frequented than the Pozzo di San Patrizio.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
At any opening time; it is a good alternative when the center is crowded.
How to get there
It is located on Via della Cava, in the medieval quarter, at the western tip of Orvieto, about a 10-minute walk from the Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica.
Tip
The visit is self-guided, with an audio guide on your phone. Steps in the caves can be damp; wear sturdy footwear. There are combined tickets with other underground sites in the city.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pozzo della Cava
What is the difference between the Pozzo della Cava and the Pozzo di San Patrizio?
The Pozzo della Cava is older, of Etruscan origin, smaller and surrounded by caves with archaeological finds. The San Patrizio is the large Renaissance well with spiral ramps.
Is the visit guided?
No. The route is self-guided, with an audio guide available.
How long does it take?
About 30 to 45 minutes.