Aqueduct Park (Parco degli Acquedotti)
The Basics
Far enough outside the Eternal City to host flocks of grazing sheep but close enough to be an easily accessible retreat from the urban chaos, Parco degli Acquedotti is among the most fascinating areas of Appian Way Regional Park. Crossed by two aqueducts that provided water to ancient Rome, the park is fun to explore on foot or by bike as part of a guided tour that begins at the Aurelian Wall and follows the Appian Way along its historical route through the Roman countryside, visiting a number of archaeological ruins along the way.
Appian Way tours often include stops at sites such as the thermal baths of Caracalla, the San Callisto and San Sebastiano Catacombs, the Circus of Maxentius, and the tomb of Caecilia Metella. You can also join a guided small-group bus tour to explore this ancient road from central Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
If you are joining a hiking or cycling tour, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Parco degli Acquedotti is outdoors, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
The ancient aqueducts make for unforgettable pictures and are a must for photography enthusiasts.
Kids especially enjoy an outing to the park, where they can explore the walking and biking paths without dangers from car traffic.
The park offers a free electric-minicar service for visitors with limited mobility, which must be reserved ahead of time.
How to Get There
Located just under five miles from Rome’s city center, Parco degli Acquedotti can be reached by Metro line A (Parco Appia Antica stop) or by bus (Piazza Cinecittà stop).
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Parco degli Acquedotti, located inside Appian Way Regional Park, is entirely outside, so it’s best to visit on a clear day in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild. You can spend anywhere from a few hours to an entire day exploring the park on foot or bike, so set off in the morning.
Appian Way Regional Park
The initial stretch of ancient Rome’s Appian Way, beginning at the Aurelian Wall that encircles Rome’s historical center, is part of a regional park, and there are a number of archaeological sites set along the historical route that are located within the park confines. A visit to Appian Way Regional Park is especially interesting for archaeology enthusiasts.
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- Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili)
- Circus of Maxentius (Circo di Massenzio)
- Appian Way and Aurelian Walls (Via Appia Antica e Mure Aureliane)
- Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem (Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme)
- Porta Maggiore
- Garbatella District (Quartiere Garbatella)
- Basilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
- Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) and Chapel of San Lorenzo
- Historic Center of Rome (Centro Storico di Roma)
- Caelian Hill (Celio)
- Villa Celimontana
- Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round (Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo)
- Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)
- Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano (Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano)
- Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati (Basilica dei Santi Quattro Coronati)