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Pozzo di San Patrizio: A Renaissance Engineering Marvel

Descend into history at Orvieto's Pozzo di San Patrizio, a Renaissance well featuring a unique double-helix staircase design.

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The Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well) in Orvieto is a historic well, a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering commissioned by Pope Clement VII in the 16th century. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, it ensured a water supply during potential sieges with its unique double-helix staircase.

A brief summary to Pozzo di San Patrizio

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date visiting hours and ticket prices.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the descent and ascent of the 248 steps.
  • Allow about 20 minutes for the visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Cahen, the entrance to Pozzo di San Patrizio is a short walk. Head towards the Albornoz Fortress; the well is located nearby. The ticket office is located on Piazza Cahen. There are no specific costs for walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Orvieto train station, take the funicular up to Piazza Cahen. From Piazza Cahen, the well is a short walk. The funicular costs €1.30 per ticket.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from the Orvieto train station to Piazza Cahen. From Piazza Cahen, it is a short walk to the entrance of Pozzo di San Patrizio. A taxi ride from the train station to Piazza Cahen typically costs between €15-€20.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available at Piazza Cahen. From the parking area, the well is a short walk. Parking at Piazza Cahen costs €1.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Pozzo di San Patrizio

The Pozzo di San Patrizio, or St. Patrick's Well, is a captivating historical landmark in Orvieto, Umbria, central Italy. This feat of Renaissance engineering was commissioned by Pope Clement VII in 1527 after the Sack of Rome. Fearing a siege, the Pope sought to secure a reliable water source for the city. The well, completed in 1537 during the papacy of Pope Paul III, was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. Its ingenious design features two independent spiral staircases that never meet, each with 248 steps. This allowed mules to carry water up and down without obstruction. Seventy-two windows illuminate the stairwells, creating a surreal atmosphere. The well is 53 meters deep and 13 meters in diameter. Originally named Pozzo della Rocca (Fortress Well), it was later renamed Pozzo di San Patrizio in the 19th century by monks, inspired by the legend of St. Patrick's Purgatory in Ireland. A Latin inscription on the well states: "QUOD NATURA MUNIMENTO INVIDERAT INDUSTRIA ADIECIT" ('what nature has begrudged, industry has supplied'). Today, visitors can descend into the well and cross a small bridge at the bottom, experiencing this unique architectural marvel.

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