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Home / Ancient Roman Sites and Ruins /

Ancient Park of the Aqueducts

Written by: Kate Zusmann

Ancient Park of the Aqueducts in Rome
Tip The park is public and has over 15 hectares to visit at any time of the day. However, the best time to visit is at dawn or sunrise to see the beauties of the aqueducts and take great photos.
Recommended tour
Closest bus stops
Anicio Gallo/Antistio14 min 720 m: 520
Cinecittà20 min 1 km: 558
Closest subway stations
Subaugusta19 min 974 m: A
Cinecittà 27 min 1.4 km: A
Address Via Lemonia, Roma
Website www.parcoappiaantica.it

Ancient Park of the Aqueducts (Parco degli Acquedotti) in Rome is located just outside the city on the Appian Way.

The Roman water system consisted of artificial channels to convey water and run for some or all of their path through underground tunnels. In addition, three Roman aqueducts allowed Roman inhabitants to receive 1.000 liters of water per person daily in 52 A.D.

Contents

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  • Things to Know Before Visit Park of the Aqueducts
    • Can you visit Roman aqueducts?
    • Where are Roman aqueducts located?
    • Can you walk on the aqueduct?
    • Is the Park of the Aqueducts free?
    • How many Roman aqueducts still exist?
    • Do any Roman aqueducts still work?
    • How did ancient Roman aqueducts work?
    • How did the Romans build aqueducts?
  • What is an Aqueduct
  • History of Roman Aqueducts
  • What to See
    • Aqua Claudia
    • Acqua Felice
    • Villa delle Vignacce
  • Other Famous Aqueducts
    • Caesarea Aqueduct
    • Valens Aqueduct
    • Segovia Aqueduct
  • Interesting facts
  • Nearby Attractions

Things to Know Before Visit Park of the Aqueducts

Can you visit Roman aqueducts?

Absolutely! Visitors can explore the remarkable Roman aqueducts, including the ones in the Park of the Aqueducts in Rome. The park provides a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of ancient engineering and immerse oneself in the rich history of Rome.

Where are Roman aqueducts located?

Roman aqueducts can be found in various locations across Europe, but some of the most renowned ones are situated in Italy, particularly in Rome. The Park of the Aqueducts, located in the southeastern part of Rome, is home to several well-preserved aqueducts that once supplied water to the city.

Can you walk on the aqueduct?

While it is not possible to walk directly on the aqueducts themselves due to their historical significance and preservation, visitors can explore the surrounding areas and walk alongside these ancient structures in the Park of the Aqueducts. This allows for an up-close and awe-inspiring experience of these architectural marvels.

Is the Park of the Aqueducts free?

Yes, the Park of the Aqueducts is open to the public free of charge. Visitors can freely explore the park and admire the ancient aqueducts at their own pace. It provides a beautiful opportunity to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these structures without any entry fees.

How many Roman aqueducts still exist?

Several Roman aqueducts have withstood the test of time, and their remnants can still be seen today. In total, there were around eleven aqueducts passing through Rome. While not all of them are fully intact, many sections and arches of these aqueducts have survived, serving as a testament to Roman engineering brilliance.

Do any Roman aqueducts still work?

Currently, none of the Roman aqueducts in Rome are functioning to supply water as they did in ancient times. Over the centuries, the water supply systems have been modernized, and contemporary methods are now in place. However, the surviving aqueducts stand as enduring symbols of the impressive engineering achievements of the ancient Romans.

How did ancient Roman aqueducts work?

Ancient Roman aqueducts operated on the principle of gravity. They utilized a network of channels, tunnels, and arched structures to transport water from distant sources to populated areas. By maintaining a slight downward slope, the water flowed naturally, guided by the aqueduct's carefully calculated gradient.

How did the Romans build aqueducts?

Romans employed a meticulous construction process to build aqueducts. They used a combination of excavation, brick and concrete construction, and architectural arches to create these engineering marvels. Skilled laborers and engineers meticulously planned the route, ensuring a steady flow of water while overcoming natural obstacles. The result was an intricate network of aqueducts that supplied cities with vital water resources, showcasing the Romans' advanced engineering prowess.

What is an Aqueduct

The Romans constructed aqueducts that served as Roman water systems throughout the Empire. The water supplied public baths, fountains, restrooms, gardens, milling, farms, and private households. The constructions moved water through gravity alone, for the most part along a slight descending downward gradient inside conductors of stone, brick, or concrete, yet some of the time through steeper gradients.

Roman aqueducts in Italy

Most conduits were covered underneath the ground and took after the contours of the terrain. In addition, most aqueduct systems included sedimentation tanks, which helped reduce any water-borne debris. However, the construction’s run-off water drove urban water processes and scoured the channels and sewers.

History of Roman Aqueducts

Ancient Romans constructed complex water systems that supplied the city with massive water. The aqueducts that are considered ancient Roman ones were built over five centuries. Moreover, from 311 B.C. to 226 A.D., 11 of them were created. During the height of the Roman Empire, these water systems delivered approximately one million gallons of water a day to the Eternal City.

What to See

Even today, you can see beautiful constructions that surround the city. The aqueducts had a very complex system, and nowadays, the Park of the Aqueducts is one of the most excellent options were to spending a sunny day in Rome. One interesting fact is that the first aqueducts to serve Rome were the 16 km long Aqua Appia (312 BCE), the Anio Vetus (272-269 BCE), and the 91km long Aqua Marcia (144-140 BCE). 

Aqua Claudia

Emperor Caligula commissioned the Claudian Aqueduct (Aqua Claudia) in 52 A.D. With Aqua Anio Vetus, Aqua Anio Novus, and Aqua Marcia, it is considered one of the “four great aqueducts of Rome.” Building the aqueduct took 11 years and more than 30 thousand workers. Moreover, it was considered the provider of the best water in the city. Nowadays, it has the most outstanding remains, and you can see them at Aqueduct Park and Porta Maggiore.

Moreover, the aqueduct required repairs after its creation and was reconstructed for 9 years. It was finally completed in 71 A.D. by Vespasian. However, the aqueduct was repaired again under the commission of Titus in 81 A.D. Its source was several springs in the Anio Valley.

Acua Claudia

The aqueduct was 45 miles long.

Acqua Felice

The Acqua Felice was the first aqueduct built during the Roman Renaissance. It was commissioned by Pope Sixtus V, whose birth name was Felice Peretti. Also, it was the first new aqueduct in early modern Rome. Moreover, the Acqua Felice runs for 8 miles underground plus 7 miles above the ground and reaches its final point at the Moses Fountain (Fontana dell’Acqua Felice). Domenico Fontana designed it in 1587.

The three-arched fountain marked the entry of the new water source into Rome.

Villa delle Vignacce

Villa of the Vineyards (Villa delle Vignacce) was a massive construction in ancient Rome located in the Aqueduct Park. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D. and reconstructed in the 4th century A.D. However, it is considered one of the city’s less documented villas. Moreover, according to the excavations made in 2007, there were baths and heating systems during the construction. The bath complex had mosaic floors and marble walls. Also, there were different statues, and water cascades inside. Nowadays, you can see the extensive ruins in Rome’s largest public park with the aqueducts.

Villa of the vineyards

Other Famous Aqueducts

The first aqueducts were built by old civic establishments, such as those in Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt. These water systems were built as open canals uncovered between a river and a city. However, the most famous water passages were created by the Romans.

Caesarea Aqueduct

Caesarea was a port city built by King Herod the Great between 23-13 B.C. in Israel. The aqueduct brought water to the city from springs 10 km (6 miles) away. In the 2nd century A.D., the Romans expanded the ancient aqueduct and doubled its capacity. Also, the structure continued to supply water for 1200 years and was repaired several times.

Caesarea aqueduct Israel

Valens Aqueduct

The Valens Aqueduct was constructed in the year 368 A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens. It served as one of the terminal points of a system of ancient aqueducts and canals of Constantinople (today, Istanbul, Turkey). Moreover, the water system reached over 250 km (155 miles) in total length and was the longest aqueduct in Antiquity. Today, the surviving section is 921 meters (3021 feet) long.

Valens Aqueduct in Istambul

Segovia Aqueduct

The Aqueduct of Segovia, built around 50 A.D., is one of the best-preserved monuments left by the Romans in Spain. It is 16 km (10 miles) long and was constructed of some 24 thousand massive granite blocks without mortar. Moreover, it is the symbol of Segovia, which provided water up until the 20th century.

Segovia aqueduct in Spain

The magnificent Park of the Aqueducts in Rome is one of the city’s most beautiful and peaceful sites. It would be great to come there for a picnic, photoshoot, or enjoy a day during warm weather. Moreover, there is enough space to run or do sports.

Interesting facts

  1. The Park of the Aqueducts, located in Rome, boasts a remarkable collection of ancient aqueducts that once supplied water to the bustling Eternal City. These impressive structures were constructed between the 4th century BCE and the 1st century CE, spanning a period of over 500 years.
  2. Standing tall in the park is the Aqua Claudia, one of the most iconic aqueducts of ancient Rome. Completed in 52 CE, this engineering marvel stretched over 69 kilometers and had a staggering height of 27 meters in some sections. It supplied the city with approximately 190,000 cubic meters of water per day!
  3. The Park of the Aqueducts offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the remains of the Anio Novus aqueduct, which was commissioned by Emperor Caligula in 38 CE. This aqueduct stretched an incredible 87 kilometers, making it one of the longest in the ancient world.
  4. As you explore the park, you’ll encounter the Marcia aqueduct, which dates back to 144 BCE. This aqueduct was known for its remarkable efficiency, delivering a staggering 187,600 cubic meters of water per day to the city of Rome during its peak.
  5. The Aqua Anio Vetus, an aqueduct constructed around 270 BCE, is also present in the park. This ancient marvel spanned 61 kilometers and played a vital role in supplying water to the growing Roman population. It is a testament to the engineering prowess of the early Roman Empire.
  6. The Park of the Aqueducts offers a glimpse into ancient Rome’s engineering ingenuity. With eleven aqueducts passing through the area, it serves as a living testament to the advanced infrastructure that supported the thriving civilization over two millennia ago.
  7. During the Roman Empire, the aqueducts in the park provided an astonishing amount of water to the city. Estimates suggest that they supplied Rome with over one million cubic meters of water each day, enabling a flourishing metropolis with public baths, fountains, and a reliable water supply for its citizens.
  8. The aqueducts in the park are not only engineering marvels but also cultural symbols. They have appeared in numerous works of art throughout history, including paintings by renowned artists like Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Their grandeur continues to inspire artists, historians, and travelers alike.
    Aqueduct of Nero GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI 1775
  9. The Park of the Aqueducts offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Walking along the ancient structures, surrounded by lush greenery, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and legacy of Ancient Rome, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and avid travelers.
  10. Today, the Park of the Aqueducts stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Rome. It serves as a reminder of the city’s remarkable engineering achievements and offers a captivating journey back in time, allowing visitors to marvel at the ingenuity of the past while appreciating the natural beauty of the present.

Nearby Attractions

Appian Way
57 min 1.77 mi 2.9 km
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus
1 h 20 min 2.5 mi 4 km
Aurelian Walls
5 min 3.27 mi 5.3 km
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
5 min 3.38 mi 5.4 km
Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
6 min 3.63 mi 5.8 km
Holy Stairs
6 min 3.65 mi 5.9 km
Caelian Hill
6 min 3.73 mi 6 km
The Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round
6 min 3.91 mi 6.3 km
Villa Celimontana
6 min 3.95 mi 6.4 km
Baths of Caracalla
6 min 3.96 mi 6.4 km

Author: Kate Zusmann

Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

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