Well of St. Patrick

Visiting this centuries-old well in Orvieto will open up the history of the ancient inhabitants' ways of life, from their Etruscan beginnings, through the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance and beyond. The underground cave complex consists of nine caverns for you to explore. You’ll find countless Etruscan, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts preserved by the underground complex running beneath the medieval streets of the Cava neighborhood.  Start at the oldest part of the Pozzo della Cava, with its cistern lined with cocciopesto plaster, where you’ll discover artifacts such as ancient Etruscan burial remains. Next, descend into the hypogeum maze of Urbs Vetus (Orvieto’s medieval name) to discover the intricacies of the houses’ three-story basements.  The final part of the complex displays developments from the Renaissance, when the most recent parts of the Pozzo della Cava were excavated. Marvel at the impressive final cave, which preserves traces of the transformations carried out over a period of twenty-eight centuries.

Discover the charming town of Orvieto on a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Explore the breathtaking Orvieto Cathedral and the fascinating St. Patrick’s Well. Descend into the remarkable engineering marvel of St. Patrick’s Well, designed in the 16th century to provide an endless water supply during sieges. With its double-helix staircase and atmospheric lighting, the well is both a functional masterpiece and a stunning visual experience. Marvel at the ornate facade of the Gothic Orvieto Cathedral, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant mosaics. Step inside to discover breathtaking frescoes by renowned artists, including Luca Signorelli, and learn about the cathedral’s fascinating history and religious significance.

The day begins with the visit of Orvieto and its wonderful historical center. Nestled atop a dramatic volcanic plateau in the heart of Umbria, Orvieto is a hidden gem that beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Imagine wandering through ancient cobblestone streets, where every corner reveals a story etched in stone and where the scent of freshly baked pastries mingles with the aroma of rich, locally-produced wines. Orvieto is an ancient city of Etruscan origin that dominates the valley of the river Paglia from the top of the tuff cliff on which it stands. It is a beautiful place to visit with a unique history dating back to million years ago. We meet our guide and we take a stroll around Orvieto old town, and visit the majestic Cattedrale of Santa Maria Assunta, best known as the “Duomo”, a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with intricate mosaics and sculptures that leave visitors in awe. We will step inside to discover the breathtaking frescoes of the Chapel of San Brizio, a testament to the town’s artistic legacy. During the guided visit, you will also have the opportunity to see and visit a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering and architecture, St. Patrick's Well, which was built in the 16th century. St. Patrick's well has become one of the main tourist attractions of Orvieto and, in addition to its particular structure, it is also surrounded by various legends that amplify its charm and mysterious atmosphere. After the first part of the tour, you will savor the authentic taste of Umbria at a local trattoria, where the flavors of traditional dishes are paired perfectly with a glass of Orvieto Classico, the town’s renowned white wine. Right below the Duomo of Orvieto lies a labyrinth of Etruscan caves and tunnels, a mysterious underground world waiting to be explored: underground Orvieto. After lunch, we will reach the entrance of Underground Orvieto and we will meet our guide, who will takes to discover the hidden labyrinths underneath: a city under a city.

The tour depart from Civitavecchia port, it is shared where your English-speaking driver will drive north-east direction. After about 45 min's drive, you will stop at the picturesque town of Civita di Bagnoregio also called "the dying city". Connected to the rest of the world by a three hundred meter bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio is a charming village which will make you feel you are visiting a world that no longer exists. Made up of old houses, narrow streets and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, walk through this magnificently unique setting. The Romanesque Arch at the entrance to Civita was built by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago and all that remains of the Renaissance Palace is the facade, the rest collapsed into the canyon. Visit the largest Piazza: the site of donkey races on the first Sunday of June and the second Sunday of September. In the evening, the piazza is the place to be, as what’s left of the town socializes there. Visit Maria’s Garden, follow the main road to the far side of town to see a lovely garden with canyon views. After the experience to Civita di Bagnoregio you will drive for another 20 minutes through the Umbrian countryside until arrive to Orvieto. It sits on a volcanic plateau. Its rich history began with the Etruscans and includes periods of Roman rule, barbarian invaders, and medieval battles with the papacy for its independence it has also been used as a papal refuge during the famous sack of Rome! In addition to being known for its high-quality food and wine, the town boasts an incredible Gothic cathedral with frescoes “Last Judgement” to rival Michelangelo’s in the Sistine Chapel, a labyrinth of cient underground tunnels, and a fine art gallery. Only on the private option you will visit Orvieto underground and St. Patrick's Well, built by Pope Clement the seventh during the sack of Rome in 1527 to guarantee a supply of water to its citizens in case of calamity or to survive prolonged sieges. Only during the nineteenth century took the current name "Pozzo di San Patrizio" to symbolize the spiritual path of the human soul. The legend told that a Irish priest was the guardian of the cave- the well precisely - from which the faithful could be convinced of the atrocity of the pains of hell. It was designed by "Antonio da Sangallo il giovane". The well, circular section, is 62 meters deep and 13 meters wide. Around the barrel spiral turn two spiral staircases in such a way as to run overlapping each other without ever crossing. In this way the helical system of steps allowed animals to carry water drawn from the bottom of the cavity and not to hinder the path of those who went up to the surface. 248 are the steps for each climb

Embark on a captivating journey from Florence to Rome with our expert driver, exploring the enchanting towns of Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio. Here's a detailed itinerary for your transfer: • Private pickup at your location in Florence at the agreed-upon time • Travel to Orvieto, where you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the city's beauty, including the majestic Cathedral, St. Patrick's Well, Torre del Moro, and the fascinating underground areas. Delve into the narrow streets, discovering incredible artisan workshops and experiencing the charm of this historic city. • Move on to Civita di Bagnoregio, known as "The Dying City." This unique village is suspended in the void, accessible only via a narrow pedestrian bridge. Enjoy a breathtaking view of this ancient village, where only nine people still reside within the old historic center. Fun fact: the film "Pinocchio" was set in Civita di Bagnoregio. • Immerse yourself in a full day of exploring the mysterious Etruscan culture, the might of the great Roman Empire, and the magnificence of the Italian Renaissance. • Optionally, during the journey, request our driver to take you to a typical restaurant for lunch, savoring authentic Italian cuisine. • At the conclusion of the transfer/tour, choose your preferred drop-off location in Rome, whether it's your home address or the location where you've booked your hotel, B&B, or private apartment. Experience the hidden gems of Italy with our unique and personalized tour, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural wonders.

The guided tour of Orvieto will make you appreciate a medieval village with its timeless charm, a combination of different styles of the peoples who passed here such as the Etruscans, the Romans and the artistic beauties created by the Papal State. It starts with a visit to one of the symbols of the town, one of the most beautiful and famous works, the Well of San Patrizio, the masterpiece of hydraulic engineering in the underground and built in 1527 by Pope Clement VII to ensure Orvieto water during all the year. The suggestive well, with 72 windows on the sides, has a curious system of double steps that allow visitors not to cross each other, and with the ancient legend of throwing a coin into the water of the well to get lucky. A few steps away we can admire the Albornoz Fortress built in the 14th century with a part of the external walls, the towers and the access door Porta Rocca or Soliana, and inside the municipal gardens where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the valley. The tour continues arriving at the historic center dominated by the majestic Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta which we will visit externally, a marvel of Italian Gothic art with a facade that amazes visitors for its architecture, mosaics and sculptures made by different artists. We will talk about its history and legends as we stroll through the characteristic medieval streets among artisan shops and typical Umbrian cuisine products and we arrive at the Moro 's Tower, also known as the Pope's tower, a tall tower visible in all over the town and with the its clock and the two bells is the reference point for Orvieto and tourists. The tour continues by discovering the Loggia of the Merchants, used by merchants in the past for the sale of their products, and one of the main squares of Orvieto with the Town Hall and the Church of S. Andrea where in the basement we find traces of the Etruscan and Roman times; on one side of the church there is a curious twelve-sided tower, a very characteristic bell tower. The guided tour ends by discovering the Palace of the Capitano del Popolo, now home to a congress center, one of the most beautiful palaces in Orvieto, which was the residence of one of the most important figures of political life in medieval times as a representative of the people.