Pozzo di S. Patrizio

The Pozzo di San Patrizio, a well built for the Popes.

Interior view.

The Pozzo di San Patrizio (English: "St. Patrick's Well") is a historic structure in Orvieto, Umbria, central Italy. It was built by Antonio da Sangallo of Orvieto, between 1527 and 1537, at the behest of Pope Clement VII.

The well, designed to provide water in case of disaster or siege, was completed during the papacy of Pope Paul III.

Access to the water is provided by two spiral ramps, served by two doors, which allowed mules to carry empty and full water vessels separately in downward and upward directions without obstruction.

The well is 53.15 metres (174.4 ft)^[1] deep, cylindrical, with a base diameter of 13 metres (43 ft). There are 248 steps, and 70 windows provide illumination.

References

^ Dal sito del Comune di Orvieto: Orvieto nella storia: Orvieto sotterranea - Pozzo di San Patrizio, http://www.comune.orvieto.tr.it//I/39D10953.htm, retrieved 2008-10-21

Review of Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well) at Frommers (tourism site)

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