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Pozzo della Cava

4.6
·2k reviews·Orvieto, Italy

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Lapidi

Pozzo della Cava

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Loved it. The Well was super cool."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Etruscan Well

Etruscan Well

Underground

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

Medieval Kiln

Medieval Kiln

Underground

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

Tufa Caverns

Tufa Caverns

Underground

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

Courtyard Cafe

Courtyard Cafe

Ground level

Relax and enjoy a coffee or snack in a charming courtyard after your underground adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Skip the Crowds, Embrace the History

Pozzo della Cava offers a unique underground exploration. To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Consider purchasing the Orvieto Carta Unica pass for access to multiple sites, including this one, to save time and money.Reddit

Self-Guided Exploration

Unlike some other attractions, Pozzo della Cava allows for self-guided tours, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace. Multilingual signage enhances the experience.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy a coffee break
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Risposta a @Gab🧘🏻‍♂️🚂 Giorno 1 🛵 da Perugia alla Sicilia 🇮🇹 Oggi ho visitato Orvieto, il suo bellissimo duomo, il pozzo di san Patrizio e la torre del Moro. Poi sono andato sul lago di Bracciano dove ho fatto il bagno al tramonto. #viaggio #italia #viaggioinitalia #bracciano #orvieto #umbria #lazio #sicilia #umbriatourism #umbriatiktok #scooter #km #roadtosicily
@vagablog
1.2K likes • 13.3K views

🎯 Self-Guided Freedom

Explore at your own pace with multilingual signs. Enjoy the freedom to linger where you please.Reddit

☕ Coffee & Chat

The courtyard cafe offers great coffee and a chance to chat with the friendly owner, Marco.Reddit

#Orvieto, #umbria ,#cittadarte, #duomodiorvieto, #pozzodisanpatrizio
@fnfabio1
1.1K likes • 15.3K views
📍Pozzo della Cava - Orvieto . . . . . #pozzo #pozzodellacava #pozzodellacavaorvieto #tufo #tuscia #orvieto #unesco #unescoworldheritage #museidellacqua #watermuseum #watermuseumsglobalnetwork #well #umbria #travel #traveling #traveller #gimbal #DJI #water #etruscan #medievaltown #underground #cave
giordanoconticelli
32 likes • 713 views

🗺️ Carta Unica Pass

Consider the Orvieto Carta Unica pass for access to multiple sites, including this one.Reddit

⏳ Time Your Visit

Allow 30-45 minutes for a thorough exploration, or less if you're in a hurry.Reddit

O Pozzo della Cava foi, dentre as visitas que fiz, senão a mais fantástica, porém a mais rica na história da civilização etrusca. Local de escavações que trouxeram à superfície os objetos desse povo criativo. O poço fica em Orvieto, uma grata surpresa na Itália. #orvieto #pozzodellacava #umbria #umbriatourism #orvietoumbriaitaly #italia #italia🇮🇹 #etrusco #anforas #italian #italia
novosterritorios
23 likes • 225 views

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.Reddit

☕ Coffee & Chat

The courtyard cafe offers great coffee and a chance to chat with the friendly owner, Marco.Reddit

🗺️ Carta Unica Pass

Consider the Orvieto Carta Unica pass for access to multiple sites, including this one.Reddit

⏳ Time Your Visit

Allow 30-45 minutes for a thorough exploration, or less if you're in a hurry.Reddit

✨ History Immersion

This site offers a real sense of Orvieto's history, especially if you've visited other underground sites.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Authentic historical feel
Self-guided exploration
Friendly staff and cafe

What People Dislike

Can be brief for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pozzo della Cava is located in Orvieto, about 1.5 hours north of Rome by car or train.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.TikTok

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.Instagram

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.TikTok

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.Instagram

The ancient Etruscan well, the medieval kiln, and the intricate rock formations within the tufa caverns offer unique photographic opportunities.Instagram+1

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.Instagram

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

Pozzo della Cava offers an exciting underground adventure that can captivate children's imaginations. The self-guided exploration allows families to move at a comfortable pace, with kids often fascinated by the ancient well and the cavernous spaces.TikTok The multilingual signage can also be a fun way to introduce them to new words. Remember to keep a close eye on children in the underground areas for their safety.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about history, Pozzo della Cava is a must-visit. It provides a direct connection to Etruscan and medieval Orvieto, offering a more intimate perspective than larger, more commercialized sites. The well-preserved kiln and the intricate carving of the tufa caverns are particularly noteworthy. The self-guided format allows for in-depth study of the interpretive materials.InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find unique opportunities within Pozzo della Cava. The dramatic lighting within the caverns, combined with the ancient textures of the tufa rock and the historical artifacts, creates compelling visual narratives.Instagram Focus on capturing the scale of the Etruscan well and the details of the medieval kiln. Be mindful of low-light conditions and consider using a tripod for sharper images.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History Beneath Orvieto

Pozzo della Cava is more than just a well; it's a fascinating journey into Orvieto's layered past. Originally an Etruscan well dating back centuries, it was later expanded and utilized by medieval inhabitants. The site showcases a remarkable series of man-made tufa caverns, carved out of the soft volcanic rock that forms the foundation of Orvieto. These chambers served various purposes, from storage and shelter to workshops.

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.InstagramReddit

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.Instagram+1

Exploring the Underground Chambers

The experience at Pozzo della Cava is primarily about exploring its underground network of caves and tunnels. These spaces were meticulously carved by hand over centuries, revealing different historical periods. You'll walk through areas that were once used for water collection, storage, and even as living quarters.

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.Instagram+1 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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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