Castellum Aquarum: Ancient Roman Cistern

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.