Castellum Aquarum, Maremma Travel Guide

3.7 (23)

Explore the ancient Roman Castellum Aquarum near Manciano, a remarkably preserved 1st-century BC cistern offering a glimpse into Roman engineering.

Home
Travel Guides
Italy
Maremma
Castellum Aquarum

The Castellum Aquarum is an impressive, well-preserved Roman cistern located near Poggio Murella in Tuscany, Italy. Dating back to the 1st century BC, this monumental structure once stored spring water and offers a glimpse into ancient Roman engineering and water management practices.

A brief summary to Castellum Aquarum

Manciano, Province of Grosseto, 58014, IT

From Eve

Know before you go

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

The site is always open and free to enter, making it an accessible historical attraction.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Terme di Saturnia for a relaxing experience.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the area around the cistern, as the terrain can be uneven.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Tarot Garden

Parco Regionale della Maremma

Museum of Natural History of the Maremma

Ancient Spanish Mill

Riserva Naturale Diaccia Botrona - Maremma

Explore Castellum Aquarum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Castellum Aquarum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Manciano, drive towards Poggio Murella. Once in Poggio Murella, follow signs towards the cemetery. Pass the cemetery and take the road on the right, Via dei Sassi Bianchi. The Castellum Aquarum will appear on your left. Parking is free and generally available along the roadside. There are no tolls on this route.
Public Transport

From Manciano, take a Tiemme bus towards Poggio Murella. Bus tickets can be purchased at the local tabaccherie (shops with a 'T' sign). Once in Poggio Murella, follow the road towards the cemetery and then Via dei Sassi Bianchi. The Castellum Aquarum is a short walk from the village center. A single bus fare is approximately €1-€3.
Walking

From the center of Poggio Murella, walk in the direction of the cemetery. Continue past the cemetery and follow Via dei Sassi Bianchi. The Castellum Aquarum is located a short distance from the village, approximately a 15-20 minute walk. There are no entrance fees or other costs associated with walking to the site.

Discover more about Castellum Aquarum

Located near Poggio Murella, the Castellum Aquarum stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess in the Tuscan countryside. This large cistern, dating back to the second half of the 1st century BC, is a well-preserved example of Roman water management.The structure itself is внушительный, measuring approximately 33.8 meters in length, 15.35 meters in width, and 8 meters in height. The interior is divided into ten naves with barrel vaults, supported by a series of brick arches. Externally, the structure features buttresses to compensate for the internal pressure of the water it once held. The walls are constructed using the opus reticulatum technique, a Roman construction method using diamond-shaped bricks.It's believed that the Castellum Aquarum was part of a larger complex, possibly connected to a Roman settlement or villas in the area. Local farmers have reported finding fragments of pottery, pipes, mosaics, and coins from the imperial era in the fields below the cistern, suggesting the presence of a significant Roman site. The cistern may have served to collect and direct water from springs towards the town of Saturnia.Today, the Castellum Aquarum is free to enter and always open, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and admire this remarkable feat of ancient engineering.