Etruscan Well, Perugia

The Etruscan Well, also referred to as the "Sorbello Well," is an extraordinary testament to ancient engineering, located in the heart of Perugia's old town. The well lies beneath the noble mansion that shares its name, offering visitors a glimpse into Perugia's layered history.

Constructed in the 3rd century BCE, the well originally served to secure a reliable water supply for the ancient Etruscan acropolis situated at Colle del Sole, the highest point in Perugia. Over the centuries, its utility endured, with significant renovations beginning in the 15th century to support its continuous use. A well-craft, positioned in what is now Piazza Piccinino, provided the public with access to this crucial water source for generations.

The structure's hydraulic sophistication became evident during the 20th century. Notably, archaeologist Filippo Magi confirmed its origins in Etruscan engineering. The cylindrical well descends 37 meters, transitioning from a square chamber near the surface to a narrower shaft below. Crafted primarily from travertine slabs and clay-rich soil, it showcases robust construction techniques, such as interlocking stone beams weighing up to 8 metric tons.

Throughout history, various methods of water extraction were employed, evolving from rope-and-bucket systems to mechanisms involving pulleys and iron seals, which feature the engraved 1768 date and family crests of the Sorbello and Eugeni lineages.

The well remains active, fed by three perennial springs, with a capacity of 424,000 liters of water. Its design shares typological similarities with other Etruscan waterworks in Perugia, notably the tank at Via Caporali. Restoration efforts in 2016, led by the Sorbello Foundation, have transformed the site into a museum, showcasing the ingenuity of Etruscan hydraulic systems and the storied history of Palazzo Sorbello.

The Etruscan Well, a marvel of ancient utility and architecture, continues to captivate visitors, blending Perugia’s rich Etruscan heritage with the enduring legacy of the Sorbello family.