Pozzo di San Patrizio
Descend into a 16th-century engineering marvel: a 58m deep well with a unique double-helix staircase.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Pozzo di San Patrizio
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend into a 16th-century engineering marvel: a 58m deep well with a unique double-helix staircase.
"A truly unique experience, a marvel of engineering that's a must-see in Orvieto!"
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Interior walls of the well
Gaze through 70 windows that let in light, some adorned with moss, creating a unique, atmospheric descent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Accessibility & Commitment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
💧 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:
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.
: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
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
What People Dislike
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.
The journey takes about 1.5 hours by train. Many visitors also opt for a day trip from Rome.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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the well. You can capture the unique architecture of the double helix staircase and the atmospheric interior.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 💪 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!
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.
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.
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
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
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Deep Dives
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