Perugia
Perugia below ground is accessible by means of mechanized paths through
the structure of the Rocca Paolina, within the Rocca are the remains of
the medieval quarter belonging to the Baglioni family. The fortress was
built by Paolo III Farnese in 1540/43 based on a design by Antonio de Sangallo
di Giovane. The powerful fortress was demolished in 1860 when it became
part of the Kingdom of Italy. What remains today of this powerful structure
is the medieval quarter with the old living areas, some streets, such as
Via Bagliona, courtyards and squares, ovens, workshops and the 13th Century
house of Gentile Baglioni with its intact tower, and the retreat of Ridolfo
and Braccio Baglioni.
5 kilometres to the south-east is the Hypogeum of the Volumni, a monumental
tomb of the Etruscan Perugian family of the same name. The tomb, discovered
in 1840, is one of the most important monuments of Etruria and is part of
a much bigger necropolis known as Palazzone, which extends around the Hypogeum
with numerous tombs and rooms from the archaic age (3rd and 1st Century
BC). The tomb is dated between the second half of the 2nd and the middle
of the 1st Century BC.
Orvieto
Orvieto underground is a labrynth of caves dug out over a period of 3000
years from the rock on which the city is built. You can visit the Etruscan
“Velzna”, medieval and Rennaisance Orvieto in an extraordinary
journey through time. A guided tour of Orvieto underground is therefore
the best way to become acquainted with this new, particularly cultural aspect
of a city rich in history and outstanding artistical treasures. Not to be
missed, a visit to St Patrick’s Well designed by Antonio da Sangallo
di Giovane. Commissioned by Pope Celement VII to supply water to the Albornoz
fortress in the event of siege or conflict, the well is 62 metres deep and
within it there are two intertwined spiral stairwells to make the transportation
of water easier.
Todi
The Roman cistern in Piazza del Popolo, over 5 Km of underground passages
and tunnels, more than 30 pre-Roman, Roman and medieval cisterns and 500
wells of varying ages form the rich underground heritage of the city. A
flexible underground architectural system which completely covers the hillside,
created over the centuries, knowledgably using the natural formation and
characteristics of the land.
