Imagine a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Rome and step back in time. A place where ancient ruins stand tall against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. This is Parco degli Acquedotti, a hidden gem in the heart of Rome.
During a trip to Rome in early 2023, my friends from Canal Alemanizando introduced me to something unusual. We discussed lesser-known places in the Italian capital, and the Parco degli Acquedotti came up in our conversation.
I realized how visually interesting this location would be for photography, so I visited the park with my cameras!
Parco degli Acquedotti in Rome: A Step Back in Time
Located between Via Appia and Via Tuscolana, Parco degli Acquedotti is a 240-hectare park in the Appia Antica Regional Park. It gets its name from the ancient aqueducts that crisscross the landscape, remnants of a sophisticated water system that supplied Rome with water for centuries.
Seven aqueducts once brought water to ancient Rome. Some of the most impressive remains you can see in the park include:
- Aqua Claudia: Built by Emperor Claudius, this aqueduct is supported by towering arches almost 28 meters high!
- Anio Novus: Running parallel to the Aqua Claudia, this aqueduct brought water from the Aniene River.
- Aqua Marcia: This aqueduct had the longest route, stretching almost a hundred kilometers!
- Felice Aqueduct: Built much later in 1585, this aqueduct is still used today.
Walking through Parco degli Acquedotti is like taking a journey through time. You can wander along paths lined with trees and streams, admire the ancient ruins, and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome. And not the city life; this park is all about the infrastructure that made the city livable centuries ago.
Besides the aqueducts, you can also find other interesting historical sites:
- Villa delle Vignacce: This significant villa dates back to the 2nd century AD and includes the remains of a thermal bath complex.
- Casale di Roma Vecchia: This 13th-century farmhouse offers a glimpse into rural life in medieval Rome.
Parco degli Acquedotti is more than just a historical site. It’s also a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and we saw lots of people with their dogs. You might see people jogging, cycling, or having picnics.
Even though the park has a fascinating history, in the 1970s and 80s, it faced threats from illegal construction, which I cannot even imagine happening. Thanks to the efforts of local activists, Parco degli Acquedotti was protected and preserved for future generations. You should go there on your next visit to Rome.
Some Tips for Visiting Parco degli Acquedotti:
- The best time to visit is spring or fall for some pleasant weather.
- Getting there: Take the metro to Lucio Sestio or Giulio Agricola station. Cinecittà is close by, and it might be interesting to some people.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and maybe a picnic lunch.
- Don’t miss: The sunset views of the aqueducts are genuinely breathtaking.
Whether you’re a history buff like me, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Parco degli Acquedotti is a must-visit destination in Rome. It is a place to connect with the past, appreciate nature’s beauty, and experience another magical side of the Eternal City.
Parco degli Acquedotti: Rome’s Ancient Waterworks and Scenic Park
Via Lemonia, 00174 Roma RM, Italy
