- Orvieto
Pozzo di San Patrizio
St. Patrick's Well was built for the water supply of the city of Orvieto in 1527. Its architect, Antonio da Sangallo, took up the challenge at the behest of Pope Clement VII.
The 53-metre deep well has a double spiral staircase (248 steps each), and 72 large windows that take light from a skylight placed at the top of the monument.
The famous staircase allowed pack animals to go down and up again to get water without ever meeting. While its practical purpose is no longer necessary, its beauty and intrigue has stood the test of time.