Etruscan Well – Perugia

Description

The basements of the 17^th-century Bourbon-Sorbello Palace in Perugia house one of the most famous works of Etruscan engineering and hydraulic architecture. Built in the second half of the 3^rd century B.C.E., the Etruscan Well is situated at the foot of Monte di Porta Sole, in the highest point of the city, once the ancient acropolis. Fed by spring water, it was the main water reservoir in Etruscan and Roman times with the dual function of both well and cistern. Built of the same travertine as the city walls, it was dug out of so-called "tassello mandorlato", terrain consisting mainly of clay and rounded pebbles typical of Perugia. The well has a cylindrical barrel structure, with a diameter of 5.6m for about 12m; after a stricture, the well diameter shrinks to about 3m, reaching a depth of 37m and is fed by three perennial pools of water. In 2015 the Municipality of Perugia completed its restoration and in 2017 work was financed to replace the old walkway at the base of the well with a more modern and functional structure, in glass and iron, and the installation of a new lighting system that enhances the Etruscan work in all its grandeur.

Position on map