Pozzo di San Patrizio
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Latest page update: 12 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The Pozzo di San Patrizio or Saint Patrick's Well in English, is situated at the edge of the hill town of Orvieto in Umbria.
Commissioned by Pope Clement VII, it was completed in 1527 and designed by Antonio di Sangallo. It reaches a depth of 53 metres and comprises of two spiral stairwells that never meet; an ingenious system designed to avoid congestion in both directions. |
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Unique stairwells
The Pope had taken refuge in Orvieto after the sack of Rome by the troops of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. Fearing a siege of the town, Clement VII decided to build the well in order to guarantee the water supply to those within its walls.
Two spiral stairwells, built one on top of the other and each with 248 steps, allow for those travelling down the well to be unobstructed by those who are making their way back up.
The stairwells were built wide enough to allow for a donkey to carry the water and the design was said to be inspired in part by the famous spiral staircase at the Vatican Museums; although you would think in the case of the latter the donkeys might not be quite so welcome!
Two spiral stairwells, built one on top of the other and each with 248 steps, allow for those travelling down the well to be unobstructed by those who are making their way back up.
The stairwells were built wide enough to allow for a donkey to carry the water and the design was said to be inspired in part by the famous spiral staircase at the Vatican Museums; although you would think in the case of the latter the donkeys might not be quite so welcome!
Visiting the well
A visit to the well lasts around 20 minutes where you'll enter the complex and then descend to the bottom of the well before crossing a little bridge at ground level and ascending via the second stairwell.
Tickets can be bought from the ticket office on Piazza Cahen to the east of the centro storico. It's a ten minute walk from here to the centre but it's also possible to use the town's funicular railway to shorten the journey time. Piazza Cahen is also a large car park and bus stop which makes it something of a mini transport hub for the town.
Tickets can be bought from the ticket office on Piazza Cahen to the east of the centro storico. It's a ten minute walk from here to the centre but it's also possible to use the town's funicular railway to shorten the journey time. Piazza Cahen is also a large car park and bus stop which makes it something of a mini transport hub for the town.
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Opening times
Every day
January to February/November to December: 10:00 - 16:45 March, April and October: 09:00 - 16:45 May to September: 09:00 - 20:00 Last entrance: 30 minutes before closing time |
Prices
Adults: €5
Children aged 7 to 17: €3.50 University students: €3.50 Over 65's: €3.50 Children 6 and under: free |
Pozzo di San Patrizio
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Town: Orvieto
Province: Terni Region: Umbria Built: 1537 Depth: 53 metres Steps: 248 Close by: Orvieto Cathedral, Lake Corbara, Allerona, Bolsena Recommended accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini |
