
Pozzo della Cava
Explore ancient Etruscan wells and medieval kilns in fascinating tufa caverns beneath Orvieto.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

Pozzo della Cava
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Etruscan wells and medieval kilns in fascinating tufa caverns beneath Orvieto.
"Loved it. The Well was super cool."

🎯 Self-Guided Freedom
Explore at your own pace with multilingual signs. Enjoy the freedom to linger where you please .
☕ Coffee & Chat
The courtyard cafe offers great coffee and a chance to chat with the friendly owner, Marco .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Etruscan Well
Underground
Discover an ancient Etruscan well, a testament to early civilization and ingenuity.

Medieval Kiln
Underground
Step back in time to see a remarkably preserved medieval kiln, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.

Tufa Caverns
Underground
Wander through fascinating man-made caverns carved into the volcanic tufa rock.

Courtyard Cafe
Ground level
Relax and enjoy a coffee or snack in a charming courtyard after your underground adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Crowds, Embrace the History
Self-Guided Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Self-Guided Freedom
Explore at your own pace with multilingual signs. Enjoy the freedom to linger where you please.
☕ Coffee & Chat
The courtyard cafe offers great coffee and a chance to chat with the friendly owner, Marco.
🗺️ Carta Unica Pass
Consider the Orvieto Carta Unica pass for access to multiple sites, including this one.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allow 30-45 minutes for a thorough exploration, or less if you're in a hurry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Self-Guided Freedom
Explore at your own pace with multilingual signs. Enjoy the freedom to linger where you please.
☕ Coffee & Chat
The courtyard cafe offers great coffee and a chance to chat with the friendly owner, Marco.
🗺️ Carta Unica Pass
Consider the Orvieto Carta Unica pass for access to multiple sites, including this one.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allow 30-45 minutes for a thorough exploration, or less if you're in a hurry.
✨ History Immersion
This site offers a real sense of Orvieto's history, especially if you've visited other underground sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pozzo della Cava for its authentic historical experience and the freedom of self-guided exploration. Many appreciate the well-preserved Etruscan well and medieval kiln, finding it more intimate than other underground sites. The friendly staff and pleasant courtyard cafe also receive positive mentions.
"This is the 2nd lot of caves that you don’t have to have a guide and it’s barely underground. We liked what we saw and had a lovely chat with Marco the runs the cafe and the ticket office. He told us that they way we were saying thank you in Italian actually meant Hello Fat People. Whoops. He explained lots of other words for us too. He makes a great coffee too. Loved it."
Megan Rose
"I enjoyed this more than the Underground tour, primarily because you were allowed to explore on your own rather than a tour group also it was well presented in a way that gave you a greater impression of the various uses. About 30 -45 mins to do depending on how much detail you take in.
Our visit was on a Tuesday morning and there was only one other family in the caves during our tour (who seemed to have whizzed through it in 10 mins?)
The tour ends in a beautiful courtyard cafe with very good value prices. Overall an enjoyable experience."
Lorenzo
"Remarkable set of human-made caves under Orvieto. Another site included in the Orvieto Carta Unica pass. Lots of interpretive signage in multiple languages. We'll worth a visit for this self-guided tour."
Jamie O'Donnell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pozzo della Cava is located in Orvieto, about 1.5 hours north of Rome by car or train.
If traveling by train, you can take a regional train from Rome Termini to Orvieto station, then a local bus or taxi to the historic center where Pozzo della Cava is situated.Yes, Pozzo della Cava is located in the historic center of Orvieto, making it easily accessible on foot once you are in the town. Be prepared for some uphill walking as Orvieto is a hill town.
Parking in the historic center of Orvieto can be challenging. It's recommended to use one of the public parking lots outside the city walls, such as the Campo della Fiera parking, and then take the funicular or escalators up to the town center.
Absolutely! Pozzo della Cava is a great addition to a day trip to Orvieto from Rome, along with other attractions like the Duomo and Pozzo di San Patrizio.
Orvieto has a local bus system that can help you navigate the town. However, many of the main attractions, including Pozzo della Cava, are within walking distance of each other in the historic center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's often included in the Orvieto Carta Unica pass, which offers access to multiple historical sites.
Check their official website or inquire locally for the most current pricing.Generally, advance booking is not required for Pozzo della Cava, especially if you visit during off-peak hours or weekdays. However, it's always a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for any specific booking recommendations, particularly during peak season.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pozzo della Cava website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
Yes, Pozzo della Cava is often included in the Orvieto Carta Unica pass, which provides access to several key historical sites in Orvieto, including underground areas and museums.
Refund policies typically depend on the ticket type and the vendor. For specific details, refer to the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the ticket provider directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pozzo della Cava offers a self-guided tour, allowing you to explore the underground chambers, Etruscan well, and medieval kiln at your own pace.
Multilingual information boards are available to provide context.Most visitors spend around 30 to 45 minutes exploring Pozzo della Cava, depending on how much detail they absorb from the interpretive signage.
Yes, children can find the underground exploration fascinating. The self-guided nature allows them to move at their own speed. Ensure they are supervised in the underground areas.
The underground environment maintains a cool and stable temperature year-round, typically around 15-18°C (59-64°F). It's advisable to bring a light jacket, especially if you tend to feel cold.
Restroom facilities are usually available at the entrance or exit area, often near the courtyard cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Pozzo della Cava for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb them or damage any artifacts.
The ancient Etruscan well, the medieval kiln, and the intricate rock formations within the tufa caverns offer unique photographic opportunities.
The caverns are illuminated with artificial lighting to highlight the features. This lighting can create dramatic effects for photography, but it's best to use a camera setting that handles low light well or a tripod if possible.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in historical sites and enclosed spaces like Pozzo della Cava due to safety and preservation concerns. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For professional photoshoots or commercial filming, you will likely need to obtain special permission and potentially pay a fee. Contact the management of Pozzo della Cava in advance to inquire about their policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Beneath Orvieto
One of the most striking features is the medieval kiln, a testament to the artisanal skills of the past. The self-guided tour allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who lived and worked here. Interpretive signage in multiple languages helps to bring the history to life, explaining the different uses of the spaces and the artifacts discovered within.
Unlike the more famous Pozzo di San Patrizio, Pozzo della Cava offers a more intimate and personal glimpse into the underground life of Orvieto. It provides a sense of discovery and connection to the ancient civilizations that shaped this unique Italian town.
Exploring the Underground Chambers
The Etruscan well is a highlight, demonstrating the advanced engineering of this ancient civilization. The sheer depth and construction of the well are impressive, offering a tangible link to Orvieto's earliest inhabitants. Following the well, you'll encounter the medieval kiln, a well-preserved structure that provides insight into the industrial and domestic life of the Middle Ages.
What makes Pozzo della Cava particularly appealing is its self-guided nature. This allows you to spend as much or as little time as you wish in each section, absorbing the atmosphere and details at your own pace. The multilingual signage ensures that visitors from all backgrounds can understand the historical significance of the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit