For our site visit Lisa took us all down to the St. Patrick Well. While she was buying tickets we all met for a group picture!
Before entering the well Lisa gave us a brief talk to better put the well into context. After the sack of Rome, Pope Clement VII took refuge in Orvieto. While in Orvieto he built the well to ensure a continuous water supply to the city, even in conflict. The sixty two meter well was finished in 1537. It has the shape of a double helix, so that water can be transported in and out of the well efficiently.
The well was eerie and cool, and climbing up was a real hike! Here’s up the well from the bottom:
After visiting the well took the opportunity to check out the amazing views and take pictures. Here's a nice view of the wall that surrounds Orvieto:
Next we had a couple hours free to roam (not Rome. Haha!) around the city before we had to catch the train. Some of us decided to climb the bell tower. The tower is forty seven meters tall and the highest point in all of Orvieto, so naturally the view was excellent.
The tower’s original bells date from 1313, but in 1875 a mechanical clock was installed as a gift from the city. While we were up top, we got the privilege of hearing the bells ring. They were loud, but beautiful.
During the free time others decided to browse the lovely ceramic shops. Orvieto is a town full of artisans and their small shops line the streets. Saldi is still going on, so a few lucky girls did some Italian shopping it the dress shops along the main street.
After our free time we grabbed a panino for the road and grudgingly left Orvieto to make the trip back to Rome. Orvieto was a truly beautiful town; with a slow and relaxing life, it was a much needed change of pace for us all. It's always great to come home though!
Ciao tutti,
Sheida Aalami
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