Aqua Alexandrina: A Testament to Roman Engineering

The Aqua Alexandrina, constructed in 226 AD under the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus, represents the final chapter in Rome's long history of aqueduct construction. Built to provide water for the emperor's newly expanded Baths of Alexander on the Campus Martius, this 22-kilometer aqueduct sourced its water from the Pantano Borghese swamp. Unlike earlier aqueducts that followed the southern ridge towards Rome, the Aqua Alexandrina took a more westward route, its path marked by impressive brick arcades that traversed the valleys of the Roman Campagna. Entering Rome near the ancient shrine of Spes Vetus, it made its way to the Campus Martius. Today, visitors can witness the remains of this engineering marvel, particularly in the Centocelle and Tor Pignattara districts, where monumental arches rise above the urban landscape. The best-preserved sections are found along Via dei Pioppi and Via degli Olmi, and along Viale Palmiro Togliatti, where the arches reach a height of 20–25 meters. These remnants offer a tangible connection to ancient Rome, blending harmoniously with the modern city.