Pozzo Etrusco, Ancient water well museum in Perugia, Italy
Pozzo Etrusco is an ancient water cistern in Perugia that was dug vertically into the earth. The structure has multiple levels connected by stairs and was built from dressed stone blocks fitted together.
The Etruscans built this structure in the third century before Christ to supply their settlement with water. The construction shows how important water storage was for cities of that period.
The well reflects the building skills that were essential for bringing water to the settlement. You can see today how skillfully the builders worked with stone and space to solve this practical challenge.
The well lies beneath the city and is reached through a museum where visitors can walk down a staircase. Morning and early afternoon hours offer the most comfortable visit and fewer crowds.
The structure was built from massive travertine blocks and monolithic beams, which set its design apart from typical water reservoirs of the era. This unusual approach made the work exceptionally durable.
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