Pozzo di San Patrizio - Beautiful old stone well in Nin city, Croatia.
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Pozzo di San Patrizio

4.6
·20k reviews·Orvieto, Italy

Descend into a 16th-century engineering marvel: a 58m deep well with a unique double-helix staircase.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Pozzo di San Patrizio - Beautiful old stone well in Nin city, Croatia.

Pozzo di San Patrizio

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Descend into a 16th-century engineering marvel: a 58m deep well with a unique double-helix staircase.

4.6
(20k reviews)

"A truly unique experience, a marvel of engineering that's a must-see in Orvieto!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Funicular is Key

Take the funicular from Orvieto Scalo station to Piazza Cahen for easy access to the well . :train_2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 248 steps can be slick and uneven. Prioritize comfort and grip for your descent and ascent. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Double Helix Staircase

The Double Helix Staircase

Inside the well

Descend and ascend via two separate, ingenious spiral staircases that never meet. A marvel of 16th-century engineering!

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Inside the well

Built for Pope Clement VII to ensure water during sieges, this well is a testament to past ingenuity and survival.

The Windows and Moss

The Windows and Moss

Interior walls of the well

Gaze through 70 windows that let in light, some adorned with moss, creating a unique, atmospheric descent.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and peak tourist hours. The 248 steps can be tiring, especially in summer heat. Consider the funicular from Orvieto Scalo to reach the town center easily.Reddit

Accessibility & Commitment

This attraction involves a significant number of steps (248 down, 248 up) and can be humid. It's not recommended for those with mobility or breathing issues. Once you start descending, you must complete the walk to the bottom.Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tagga chi vorresti portare 🔐✨ C’è solo un italiano tra i 16 ristoranti più belli al mondo, ed è in Umbria. Il ristorante Coro @cororistorante di Orvieto è l’unico italiano tra i 16 locali finalisti del Prix Versailles 2025, premio internazionale per l’architettura nella ristorazione. 🔐 // Coro has been selected as one of the 16 most beautiful restaurants in the world — and the only one from Ital...
@ilviaggioinuncalice
113.4K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Funicular is Key

Take the funicular from Orvieto Scalo station to Piazza Cahen for easy access to the well.Reddit :train_2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 248 steps can be slick and uneven. Prioritize comfort and grip for your descent and ascent. :athletic_shoe:

Ci siete mai stati? #orvieto #pozzodisanpatrizio #bagnidisanfilippo #neiperte #weekend #umbria #toscana
@manu_alwayssmile
83.1K likes • 1.5M views
𝐈𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐳𝐳𝐨 𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐨 𝐚𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐨⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Storia del Pozzo di San Patrizio⁣ 👇⁣ ⁣⁣ Il pozzo di San Patrizio fu costruito ad Orvieto tra il 1527 e il 1537 per volere del papa Clemente VII, reduce dal Sacco di Roma e desideroso di tutelarsi nell’eventualità che la città in cui si era ritirato fosse assediata. ⁣⁣ Infatti fu progettato proprio per fornire acqua in caso di calamità o assedio.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ L’acce...
travelife.it
5K likes • 187K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get humid inside. Refill your water bottle at the fountain outside before you go down. :droplet:

📸 Capture the Engineering

The unique double helix design is a photographer's dream. Get creative with your shots! :camerawithflash:

Oggi vi portiamo ad esplorare un mondo sotteraneo davvero spettacolare, si tratta del Pozzo di San Patrizio! 🇮🇹 Ci siete mai stati?! #orvieto #orvietounderground #umbria #umbriatourism #pozzodisanpatrizio #orvietosotterranea #umbrialovers #umbriagram #italia #italiadascoprire #italiainunoscatto #volgoumbria #umbria_super_pics
viaggiosenzascalo
733 likes • 17.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Funicular is Key

Take the funicular from Orvieto Scalo station to Piazza Cahen for easy access to the well.Reddit :train_2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The 248 steps can be slick and uneven. Prioritize comfort and grip for your descent and ascent. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get humid inside. Refill your water bottle at the fountain outside before you go down. :droplet:

📸 Capture the Engineering

The unique double helix design is a photographer's dream. Get creative with your shots! :camerawithflash:

⏳ No Shortcuts

Once you start descending, you must go all the way to the bottom. There's no turning back! :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(20k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Pozzo di San Patrizio a unique and historically fascinating experience, praising its ingenious engineering and atmospheric descent. While it's a great workout and a cool respite on hot days, it's crucial to be aware of the 248 steps and the lack of accessibility for those with mobility issues.

"I visited in early September 2024.
Fun experience! Something unique to Orvieto and highly recommended. The history of the well is very interesting and it was revolutionary for its time. However, not for those with mobility issues. Yes, there are some railings, but the stairs are slick and uneven. Also, maybe not if you have breathing issues. It was very humid, my hair doubled in size! Lol Great exercise!"

Elizabeth K

"My experience was super 😎 cool! It is 53 meters down(that's about 150 ft)and there are a lot, lot of steps! To add to that, there are 70 windows that lead light into the well. Even cooler is that some of the windows are covered in moss. The water (well) is dedicated to Saint Patrick. (by James)

The steps are a double helix, enabling mules with water bags to descend, and then ascend the other stairs with full bags of water for the town. The well was built in 1527."

Roswitha Firth

"Quite a unique place to see a medieval well where you walk through a double helix to get to the bottom of the well and then back up. Worth a visit if you can do the walk

Once you are in, you have to commit to finish the walk. There are no shortcuts to exit."

Andre W

What People Like

Ingenious double helix design
Fascinating history
Cool respite from heat

What People Dislike

Many stairs
Not accessible
Can be humid

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take a train from Rome to Orvieto Scalo. From the station, hop on the funicular that goes up to Piazza Cahen, which is right by the Pozzo di San Patrizio.Reddit The journey takes about 1.5 hours by train. Many visitors also opt for a day trip from Rome.TikTok

The town of Orvieto itself is not directly walkable from the train station (Orvieto Scalo). You'll need to use the funicular to ascend to the historic center where the Pozzo di San Patrizio is located.Reddit

There are parking lots available in Orvieto, but they can be busy. If you're driving, consider parking and then using the funicular to reach the well. Parking in the historic center can be challenging.

Absolutely! Orvieto is a popular day trip destination from Rome, offering a unique historical site and charming town to explore.TikTok Plan for at least half a day to comfortably visit the well and a bit of the town.

While the funicular is key for reaching the town, Orvieto's historic center is quite walkable. Local buses operate within the town, but many attractions are close enough to explore on foot once you're up the hill.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are typically around 3 Euros per person. It's a small fee for a unique historical experience.Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open daily from morning to late afternoon. It's always a good idea to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.

For individual visitors, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you are part of a large group, it might be advisable to inquire about group reservations.

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or students, but this can vary. It's best to check at the ticket office or the official website for any applicable concessions.

No, once you begin your descent, you must continue to the bottom. There are no intermediate exits, so be prepared for the full 248 steps down and then back up.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the well. You can capture the unique architecture of the double helix staircase and the atmospheric interior.Reddit

The most striking photos are of the double helix staircases themselves. Also, try capturing the light filtering through the 70 windows, especially where moss has grown.Instagram

The interior is dimly lit, which can create a dramatic atmosphere but may require a higher ISO or a tripod for sharper images, especially if you're using a phone camera. The natural light from the windows is quite unique.

Be mindful of other visitors. While you can photograph the well's architecture, avoid intrusive photography of individuals without their consent.

Drone photography is strictly prohibited inside and around historical sites like Pozzo di San Patrizio to preserve the integrity of the monument and for safety reasons.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on how long you spend at the bottom and how quickly you ascend. It's a relatively quick but memorable stop.Reddit

It's a unique experience walking down the spiral stairs into the cool, dim interior. You'll feel the history and ingenuity of the construction. Some find it peaceful and a little eerie.Reddit

The well is quite spacious, especially with the double helix design. However, if you have severe claustrophobia, the enclosed nature and the descent might be challenging. The 70 windows do provide a sense of openness.

At the bottom, there's a small bridge where tradition suggests you can throw a coin for good luck.InstagramReddit It's the turnaround point before you begin your ascent.

Yes, there are restrooms nearby, but they typically require a small fee (around 1 Euro) to use.Reddit

🎫 💪 Health & Fitness

The climb back up is the most strenuous part. It involves 248 steps, and while there are railings, it requires a moderate level of fitness. It's a good workout! Instagram

No, the Pozzo di San Patrizio is not accessible for individuals with mobility issues due to the extensive number of stairs. It's also not recommended for those with breathing difficulties due to the humidity.Reddit

The well maintains a cooler temperature than the outside, making it a welcome respite on a hot day. However, it can also be quite humid inside.Reddit

Yes, children can visit, but parents should be aware of the stairs and ensure children are supervised. It can be an exciting adventure for them to explore the unique structure.

While you are descending into the earth, the open nature of the double helix and the windows can mitigate feelings of height. The focus is more on the descent and ascent rather than looking down from a great height.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Pozzo di San Patrizio can be an exciting adventure for children, offering a real-life exploration of a historical marvel. The double helix staircase is like a giant spiral slide, and the 70 windows add an element of mystery.Instagram However, parents should be prepared for the 248 steps down and back up, which can be tiring for little legs. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially on the slick steps. It's a great way to make history tangible and fun, but be mindful of their stamina and the humidity inside.Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, the Pozzo di San Patrizio offers a fascinating glimpse into historical engineering and a unique personal challenge. The descent and ascent provide a good workout and a sense of accomplishment. It's a perfect stop for those who appreciate history, architecture, and a bit of adventure. The atmospheric interior and the historical narrative make it a memorable experience to share or reflect upon individually.Reddit

🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs

This is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by historical engineering and architecture. The Pozzo di San Patrizio is a prime example of 16th-century ingenuity, showcasing advanced hydraulic and structural design. The double-helix staircase is a particular highlight, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of logistics and construction. Exploring its depths offers a tangible connection to the past and the challenges faced by communities centuries ago.Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ingenious Design: A Masterpiece of Engineering

The Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well) is not just a hole in the ground; it's a masterpiece of Renaissance hydraulic engineering. Commissioned by Pope Clement VII in the 16th century, its primary purpose was to guarantee a water supply for the city of Orvieto in case of a siege.Instagram+1 The genius lies in its double-helix staircase, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. This ingenious system features two independent spiral ramps: one for descending and one for ascending. This ensured that mules carrying water could travel up and down without ever crossing paths, a crucial logistical solution for the time.Instagram+1

A Journey Through History and Architecture

The construction of the well spanned from 1527 to 1537.Instagram+1 Its depth is approximately 53-58 meters (around 174-190 feet), and it features 248 steps.Instagram+1 As you descend, you'll notice 70 windows that punctuate the interior walls, allowing natural light to illuminate the shaft and creating a unique, almost ethereal atmosphere.Instagram Some of these windows are even adorned with moss, adding to the ancient feel of the place.Reddit The name 'San Patrizio' refers to the legend of St. Patrick's Purgatory in Ireland, symbolizing a descent into a mystical underworld.Instagram

Visitor Experience: What to Expect

Visiting the Pozzo di San Patrizio is a unique sensory experience. The air inside is cooler and more humid than outside, offering a welcome break from the Italian sun.Reddit The descent is a journey through history, with the sheer scale of the engineering becoming apparent with every step. At the bottom, you'll find a small bridge, where tradition dictates you can toss a coin.Instagram Remember, once you start descending, you must complete the walk to the bottom and then ascend the other staircase.Reddit It's a memorable experience that highlights the ingenuity of past civilizations.

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