Pozzo della Cava Tour: An Archaeological Journey Through Orvieto's Underground History
4.7
69 Ratings
Orvieto
Embark on an engaging archaeological journey through Orvieto's underground history with the Pozzo della Cava Tour. Discover Etruscans, Middle Ages, and Renaissance in this fascinating underground itinerary.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Pozzo della Cava - A captivating subterranean exploration in Orvieto’s medieval quarter, featuring chambers that reveal Etruscan, Medieval, and Renaissance relics, all uncovered by the dedicated efforts of the owning family. The well itself is an immense cavity in the volcanic rock, carved out by Pope Clement VII from 1527 to 1530, enlarging an existing Etruscan well; it was sealed off from the public in 1646 and lay forgotten for centuries. Within the nine surrounding grottos, visitors can also discover a medieval ceramics studio replete with majolica pieces and the tools of potters, several small medieval refuse pits, an Etruscan reservoir, a medieval storeroom for wine, and the vestiges of Etruscan funerary chambers.
What's Included
- Admission Ticket to Pozzo della Cava archaeological complex
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
Pozzo della Cava is more than a mere well… it’s a historically significant site rooted in the rich archaeological tour of Orvieto… it’s a space where historical eras collide whilst honoring traditions that have spanned twenty-seven centuries… it invites you to unearth the mysteries of the Etruscans, Mediaeval times, and the Renaissance, reminding us that Orvieto isn’t just about the Cathedral… it’s a captivating subterranean journey situated in Orvieto’s core, with chambers brimming with fresh archaeological discoveries… it offers a unique exploration of the ancient city known as Urbs Vetus and the customs of its inhabitants… it’s an unusual chance to reclaim a once buried heritage.
- Information available: Italian, English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Japanese
Location
Pozzo della Cava
Via della Cava 28, Quartiere Medievale
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(69 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Wellsden
Jun 29, 2023
Mind blowing history here! - This site astounded us with the ingenuity and sophisticated ways these ancient people created to form a society such along time ago!! Absolutely the most interesting thing we discovered on our trip!! A must see if you are in Orvieto.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G4hsp2gyfb
Mar 19, 2023
Underground in Orvieto - Fascinating self-guided tour of the Etruscan underground. Informative and just long enough! Great visuals made for super pictures.
Review provided by Viator
Nancyknyc
Nov 1, 2022
Interesting and worth the entrance price - Fascinating underground museum with relics of various eras of Orvieto's lifespan. From pottery firing, to a well, to Etruscan burials this cave has gone through numerous uses.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Warren
Sep 26, 2022
Must See - A must see along withe National Archaeological Museum in Chiusi. Fascinating artefacts from the Etruscan period. If pre-Roman history interests you don't miss this one.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wstravelers
May 29, 2022
Top rate experience in Orvieto - you won't be disappointed - An absolute gem in Orvieto! This was our first stop on a recent day trip to Orvieto and we so enjoyed our time here. The very kindly gentlemen who sold us our tickets, also ran the gift shop and coffee bar and treated us to an enthusiastic send off with a water drop into the well. He was a delight. We had read about the other underground sights in Orvieto, but decided this was the stop for us and we were not disappointed. It is a lovingly restored and excavated experience that made what we were seeing come to life. Great descriptions in English and a terrific introduction into what might lie underground. Grazie Mille!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alisaozfamily
May 12, 2022
Etruscan well and caves beneath Orvieto. Not to be confused with the Orvieto Underground tour which is different. - Short but interesting tour of ancient well and surrounding caves dug by early Etruscan’s. Self-guided tour with descriptions at each stop in multiple languages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dobrador
Apr 6, 2022
This is the best “Underground Tour” - This was the best “underground” tour of Orvieto. We did St Patrick’s well and the “Underground Orvieto” tour, both of which were interesting, but not nearly the quality as this one. Much more history, both of medieval times and Etruscan heritage on this tour. We’ll done!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judy
Jul 19, 2021
Cute little old couple run this place! - We had very little time to view the underground and this tour was perfect! We went at our own pace and learned a lot about the Etruscans but the neatest part was the little old couple that runs the place! He is just adorable and will bring you to flooring that has plexiglass where you can jump on it but also view the cave from his little restaurant/gift shop. We had a blast I would recommend this to our friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
344blankas
Jul 19, 2021
Authentic learning experience - In this privately owned museum the visitor can not only learn about the ceramics that were produced there and the technology how they were made, but also experience how people lived in the old times in their homes carved into the tufa rockbed. There is also a cistern housing a wine cellar and several super deep former wells that supplied water for centuries. And the museum’s cafe offers great cappuccino with fantastic homemade wine biscuits, definitely worth sticking around a bit longer for.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise_b
Jul 1, 2023
Self-Guided Tour in a Cool Spot - This is a self-guided tour of the cave. It was nice a cool on a hot summer day! I learned a lot about the Etruscans and early Rome settlers, as well as information about pottery. There is a nice older man at the end of the tour that sells the pottery he makes. I was happy to buy an adorable holy family figurine set.
Review provided by Viator