€10 credit on 2+ art prints in my shop
Parco degli Acquedotti Sights & History
Explore the Parco degli Acquedotti and discover what to see among its historic monuments.
by Sonja | Artist & MA Interior Architecture
4 min. read
| Update:
4 Jun 2026
Created 24 May 2026
© 2026 Sonja Travel Artist
The stone arches of the Acquedotto Claudio in the Parco degli Acquedotti stretch across lush meadows
When I travelled to Rome for the second time as a Mediterranean-inspired artist, I was deeply impressed by the Roman aqueducts and sweeping landscapes of the Parco degli Acquedotti. Located just south of Rome’s historic centre, the park’s majestic stone arches and umbrella pines are every bit as striking as the Colosseum itself. At the same time, you’ll also come across a few exciting, unexpected surprises here. Discover what you can see in the Parco degli Acquedotti, and why it deserves a place on your bucket list for your next trip to Rome.
1. Acquedotto Claudio
Ancient Rome
Roman aqueduct
The Acquedotto Claudio, reaching a height of around 28 metres at its highest point, impressed me not only with its scale, but also with how remarkably well preserved it remains along long stretches. As you walk beside this ancient structure, one stone arch follows another, offering a striking sense of just how monumental the aqueducts must once have been. The Acquedotto Claudio was commissioned under the emperor Caligula and completed under the emperor Claudius in the 1st century CE.
Why I love it:
Unique engineering feat
Monumental aqueduct arches
Idyllic park setting
2. Acquedotto Felice
Renaissance era
Pope Sixtus V
Large sections of the Acquedotto Felice have also been preserved, shaping the landscape of the Parco degli Acquedotti. In some places, the park’s paths lead you directly beneath its arches, allowing you to walk under them almost as if through a tunnel. The Acquedotto Felice dates back to the Renaissance and was built in the late 16th century under Pope Sixtus V, who aimed to restore Rome’s water supply after it had been severely disrupted during the Gothic War — an event that also affected the water system serving the Baths of Caracalla.
Why I love it:
Renaissance aqueduct
Arches you can walk beneath
Idyllic park setting
Mediterranean Traveller Newsletter —
Italy, Art & Travel
Join the mailing list and be the first to discover the following highlights:
1. My latest inspiring travel stories
2. New Mediterranean art for your home
3. Limited editions & travel journals
3. Traces of the Ancient Via Latina
Ancient Rome
Roman trade route
Close to the Acquedotto Claudio, you’ll find traces of the ancient Via Latina. Only a fraction of its basalt stones is still visible today, but I was delighted to make this unexpected discovery, as there is usually very little left to see of it. The Via Latina in the Parco degli Acquedotti shows how various Roman transport routes once converged here — one carrying water, the other serving as a vital artery for trade and the military in the Roman Empire. Older than the Via Appia, the Via Latina once stretched from Rome to the Alban Hills, south-east of the capital.
Why I love it:
Ancient basalt street
Rare historic monument
Scenic aqueduct views
4. Roman Villa delle Vignacce & Cistern
Suburban villa
Roman history
I almost missed the Villa delle Vignacce and its cistern, even though, at over 20,000 square metres, it was once one of Rome’s largest suburban villas. So far, only a few of its walls have been uncovered, which means you could easily walk past them without noticing. However, it’s worth taking a closer look at the ruins, as they complete the picture of the Parco degli Acquedotti: this area was home not only to aqueducts and roads, but also to villas and agricultural estates. The name Villa delle Vignacce, which literally translates as “Villa of the Vineyards”, already hints at this.
Why I love it:
Ancient residential structure
Glimpse into Roman suburban life
Completes the park’s story
5. Further Historical Traces in the Park
Anio Novus
Roma Vecchia
In addition to the sights I’ve already mentioned, you’ll probably come across many more historical remains in the Parco degli Acquedotti. There are also traces of other Roman aqueducts, such as the Aqua Anio Novus, the Aqua Marcia, the Aqua Tepula and the Aqua Julia. Many of these are barely visible today, as only small fragments of them have survived or they’re partly obscured by later structures. Much easier to spot are the ruins of early modern country estates, such as the Casale di Roma Vecchia.
Visit the Ancient Aqueducts in Rome
The Parco degli Acquedotti is one of Rome’s hidden gems. It offers a glimpse into a part of Roman history that often goes unnoticed: the ancient supply routes of the Eternal City, consisting of basalt roads, imposing aqueducts and expansive country estates. As you explore the park, you can draw inspiration from the historic monuments while also taking some peaceful downtime. As an artist, I loved it so much that I came here twice — once for a stroll and once to sketch for my Mediterranean-inspired paintings.
Explore my Rome itinerary next for a full overview of the city and discover what’s possible with more than just a weekend here.
Practical Tips for Exploring the Park of the Aqueducts — FAQ
1. How much time should I plan for my visit to the park?
A morning or afternoon will likely be enough to explore the park. However, if you’d like to take your time, you can also come for reading or sport and easily spend a full day there.
2. How do I get to the park?
The park has several entrances along Via del Quadraro, Via Lemonia and Via delle Capannelle. From Rome’s historic centre, you can also reach it easily by metro.
3. What’s the best season to visit the park?
In general, you can visit the park year-round, although it looks quite different depending on the season. In May, the grass can grow quite high, meaning some paths may be partly overgrown — it was just being cut when I visited.
4. What else do I need to know before my visit?
If you like, you can bring your own food and drinks, as there are no cafés or restaurants inside the park. Just make sure to take everything with you when you leave, so the area stays clean and welcoming.
