Roman Cistern

(late 2nd or early 1st century BC )

Image courtesy of the Soprintendenza
per i Beni Archeologici dell'Umbria

This barrel-vaulted cistern, which now forms the base of the campanile, is reached from the start of the left aisle.  It is built from travertine blocks held together without mortar.  [Describe how water entered and how it was drawn off].

The cistern was built against a terrace wall (see below), part of which forms the foundation for the left side of San Rufino.  Exposed sections of it can be seen at intervals in the left aisle and also in the 11th century crypt.

The important Latin inscription (late 2nd or early 1st century BC) over the entrance arch is still partly visible:  there is a plaster cast of the full inscription in the Museo Civico (Exhibit 6).

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