The entrance to the Pozzo Etrusco (Etruscan Well) in Perugia is something you might walk by without noticing—even if you’re looking for it. While the upper portion of the well is visible just around the corner in Piazza Piccinino, the subterranean portion (now a museum) is hidden at the end of a narrow medieval passageway and obscured by various restaurant boards positioned outside at number 18 Piazza Danti. But don’t give up! Because a visit to this unusual Perugia attraction, like viewing the Etruscan Arch or visiting the National Archeological Museum is yet another testimony to the sophistication of the Etruscan civilization that built Perugia into a thriving city when Rome was still a frontier town.
The well doesn’t take long to visit and for a combined ticket price you can also enter the Palazzo Sorbello House Museum just a few steps around the corner and directly across from the recently restored, aboveground portion of the well. The museum consists of an educational video that can be viewed before entering the somewhat damp and atmospheric inner chamber of the well. A modern walkway allows visitors to pass through the well and look down at the water source 121 feet (37 meters) below. Constructed in the third century B.C., the well is an impressive feat of ancient hydraulic engineering, to say the least!
Address: Piazza Danti 18, 06123 Perugia
Opening Times: Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 10.00 am – 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm – 6.00 pm, Closed
Note: The museum is closed on Monday afternoons from May 2 to July 10
Closed: December 25, January 1, and Monday afternoons from November 2nd to March 31st
Tickets: €3.00 Single Ticket, € 6.00 Combined ticket (Etruscan Well & House Museum of Palazzo Sorbello), €2.00 Reduced Pricing with Sorbello House Museum ticket or Perugia City Museum Card, persons over 75, caregivers of a disabled persons, groups with a minimum of 8 people
Free entry for children 12 and under, disabled persons, ICOM members
Telephone: +39 075 573 3669
email: pozzoetrusco@fondazioneranieri.org
Walking From Piazza Partigiani Bus Terminal:
Take the series of escalators (scale mobili) located across the street from the bus station to arrive in Piazza Italia. From Piazza Italia walk straight on Corso Vannucci toward Piazza IV Novembre, the cathedral and the Fontana Maggiore. Walk around to the right side of the cathedral, following the group of stores along the right side of the street. You will eventually arrive at the entrance to the passageway leading to the museum, which is right next to Dempsey’s Bar.
From Perugia Train Station (Fontivegge):
By Cab (Approx. €12): Taxicabs are usually waiting just outside and to the left of the train station front exit. It’s about a 10-minute ride to Piazza Italia. If no cabs are waiting call Perugia Taxi: 075 500 4888
By Bus (€1.50 single trip): Buses leave from the front of the main railway station in Piazza Vittorio Veneto to Piazza Italia. For Piazza Italia take Bus Line TS.
By Minimetrò (€1.50 single trip): Adjacent to the back of the main railway station (where the tracks are located) and a 3-minute walk is Perugia’s light rail. Take this to the historic center (Pincetto Stop). Exit to your left and take the escalators or to your right for the elevator to the top, then walk to Via Oberdan and go right to Piazza Matteotti. Once in Piazza Matteotti take any of the side streets on the left to Corso Vannucci. Go right on Corso Vannucci towards the cathedral. Walk around to the right side of the cathedral, following the group of stores along the right side of the street. You will eventually arrive at the entrance to the passageway leading to the museum, which is right next to Dempsey’s Bar.
Note: The Minimetrò runs every 2 to 3 minutes Monday-Saturday 7am-9:20pm (Last ride at 9:05pm), Sundays and holidays 9:00am-9:00pm (Last ride at 8:45pm)
Tickets (UP Card) for both the buses and Minimetrò can be purchased at the bar/café inside the train station or at the kiosk located at the entrance to the mini metro itself.
PERUGIA
06123
