Aqua Claudia: An Ancient Roman Engineering Marvel

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Explore the majestic remains of Aqua Claudia, an ancient Roman aqueduct that showcases the empire's engineering brilliance and enduring legacy.

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Aqua Claudia

The Aqua Claudia is one of Rome's four great ancient aqueducts, a testament to Roman engineering prowess. Built starting in 38 AD by Emperor Caligula and completed in 52 AD by Emperor Claudius, it supplied fresh water to Rome for centuries. Today, its impressive arches still stand, offering a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Aqua Claudia

Via Statilia, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00185, IT

Monday 8 am-7 pm
Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
Thursday 8 am-7 pm
Friday 8 am-7 pm
Saturday 8 am-7 pm
Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

Visit the Parco degli Acquedotti for the most extensive and scenic views of the Aqua Claudia's arches.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Appian Way for a deeper dive into Roman history.
Bring water and comfortable shoes, as exploring the aqueduct often involves walking.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Aqua Claudia using public transport, take Metro Line A to the Subaugusta station. From there, it's approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the Parco degli Acquedotti, where you can see the aqueduct. A single metro ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. Alternatively, a 24-hour ticket costs €7.00, offering unlimited travel within Rome.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Rome. A taxi ride from the city center to Via Statilia, near Aqua Claudia, typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is calculated by the meter, with a starting fare of €3.50 during the day and €7.50 at night. A short trip within the city center should cost around €12. Keep in mind that calling a taxi incurs an additional charge of €3.50.
Walking

If you are already near the Porta Maggiore, you can walk along Via Statilia to approach the Aqua Claudia. The walk is relatively straightforward and takes about 10-15 minutes. Be aware of pedestrian crossings and traffic. There is no cost associated with walking.

Discover more about Aqua Claudia

Aqua Claudia, or the Claudian Aqueduct, represents a remarkable feat of ancient Roman engineering. Construction began in 38 AD under Emperor Caligula and was completed in 52 AD by Emperor Claudius. As the eighth aqueduct to serve Rome, it played a vital role in supplying fresh water to the city's growing population. Spanning approximately 69 kilometers (43 miles), much of the aqueduct ran underground. However, the most visible and impressive sections are the towering arches that stretch across the Roman landscape. These arches, some reaching over 30 meters (100 feet) in height, showcase the advanced construction techniques of the time. The Aqua Claudia's mainsprings, the Caeruleus and Curtius, were situated near the 38th milestone of the Via Sublacensis. The aqueduct could deliver approximately 185,000 cubic meters (6.5 million cubic feet) of water every 24 hours. Over the centuries, the Aqua Claudia underwent several repairs and modifications. Emperor Vespasian initiated the first repairs in 71 AD, followed by further restoration by Emperor Titus in 81 AD. Nero extended the aqueduct with the Arcus Neroniani from the Esquiline Hill to the Caelian Hill, and Domitian further extended it to the Palatine, ensuring that all 14 Roman districts received water. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved sections of the Aqua Claudia in various locations, including the Parco degli Acquedotti and near Porta Maggiore.