Pozzo di San Patrizio

historic well in Orvieto
#2 in Orvieto / #543 in Italy
Photo
by Fantasy
/ CC-BY-SA-3.0

Pozzo di San Patrizio, located in Orvieto, Italy, is an architectural marvel and historical well that dates back to the early 16th century. Commissioned by Pope Clement VII and designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, the well was constructed between 1527 and 1537 to ensure a reliable water supply during sieges. It descends approximately 53 meters (174 feet) into the earth and features a unique double-helix staircase consisting of 248 steps. This ingenious design allowed mules to carry water up and down without ever crossing paths. The well's name, inspired by St. Patrick's Purgatory in Ireland, evokes the idea of a deep, mystical descent.


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