The underground world of Orvieto

Orvieto - Orvieto is a Lazio city of the Etruscan era known for its many architectural beauties. However, few know the underground world that extends under the village, in the plateau of about 50 meters on which the building stands. At one time the Etruscans dug wells and tunnels to draw water. In fact, the plateau is made of tuff, which is a very porous volcanic rock that made the water filter deep down.

Inside the tuff artisan shops were built to make pottery and hemp ropes. There were oil mills and dovecotes, where pigeons were raised to eat them. Each house had its own shaft and today you can guess the plan of the Etruscan Orvieto with great precision. The most famous well was built between 1527 and 1537 by Antonio da Sangallo the younger, on the orders of Pope Clement VII. The well is 53 meters deep and you can go down to the bottom thanks to a double helical staircase. The beasts of burden descended the 248 steps, filled with water, and then climbed to the surface using the other ramp.