Sunday July 24th

 Orvieto Caves

Orvieto is an incredible town; built on a volcanic plug of “Tuff”, which provides building materials and, after being mined, left caves under the town. We went on two tours, the first of which was a formal/organised one. Our guide showed us a map of the town with the huge number of caves under houses outlined in red. As well as providing building materials, the caves are at a consistent temperature (the winter temperature can go down to -5C, barely believable in the context of the 35C temperature of the day). Amongst other things being made, olive oil was pressed underground as it goes waxy and sets at low temperatures. Mining had to be stopped as the town was at risk of subsidence  

We also went to a private set of caves, extensively excavated by the current owners. Pits were used for waste, including broken or rejected pottery. Most impressive was the well shaft. Dug by hand, this went down for c. 40 metres, where it reaches the water kept from draining/seeping away by a layer of impermeable clay. 

Well shaft to water under private house in medieval quarter of Ovieto. 

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