Aqua Alexandrina: A Testament to Roman Engineering

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Explore the Aqua Alexandrina in Rome: a marvel of ancient Roman engineering with towering brick arches in Centocelle and Tor Pignattara.

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Aqua Alexandrina

The Aqua Alexandrina, Rome's last great aqueduct, was built in 226 AD by Emperor Alexander Severus to supply water to his Baths of Alexander. Stretching over 22 kilometers, its brick arches stand as a remarkable feat of Roman engineering, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's ancient past.

A brief summary to Aqua Alexandrina

Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino, 172, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00172, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Aqua Alexandrina.

Explore the longest continuous above-ground stretch along Via dei Pioppi and Via degli Olmi in Centocelle.
Visit the section along Viale Palmiro Togliatti to see the aqueduct's arches towering over the road.
Combine your visit with a walk in the Parco degli Acquedotti to see other Roman aqueducts.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Termini Station, take Metro Line A towards Anagnina and get off at the Giulio Agricola stop. From there, walk along Viale Giulio Agricola, then turn onto Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino. The aqueduct will be visible on your left. A single Metro ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.
Walking

From the Parco di Tor Fiscale, walk north along Via dell'Acquedotto Felice, then turn left onto Via Lemonia. Continue onto Via Appio Claudio, then turn right onto Viale Anicio Gallo. Turn left onto Viale Palmiro Togliatti, and you will see the Aqua Alexandrina on your right. Note that this is a long walk (approximately 30 minutes).

Discover more about Aqua Alexandrina

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.