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).

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.

What is Aqueduct Park in Rome?

Aqueduct Park, or Parco degli Acquedotti in Italian, is a public park just outside Rome’s city limits that encompasses stretches of seven ancient Roman aqueducts. The two largest and most impressive are Aqua Felix and Aqua Claudia. The park is located within the larger Appian Way Regional Park.

How big is Aqueduct Park?

The park covers 593 acres (240 hectares) to the southeast of Rome’s city limits, with the Appio Claudio neighborhood to the east and the Appio Pignatelli neighborhood to the west. The larger Appian Way Regional Park that encompasses the Aqueduct Park covers 8,650 acres (3,500 hectares).

Can you walk or bike through Aqueduct Park?

Yes, the park is a popular destination for walking and biking and is crisscrossed by a robust network of dirt and paved trails that skirt the ancient ruins. Most trails have limited or no shade, so they are most pleasant for exploring in the early morning or late afternoon.

Are there any guided tours available at Aqueduct Park?

Yes, there are guided tours of Aqueduct Park on foot or by bike. Tours by car or Vespa scooter can access parts of the larger Appian Way Regional Park and take in the aqueducts from a distance, but most of the trails inside the Aqueduct Park are closed to vehicles.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Aqueduct Park?

No, the park is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. However, the Roman aqueducts inside the park are not illuminated at night, so visit in daylight to admire the ancient ruins. Nearby attractions like the catacombs of San Callixtus and San Sebastian charge an entrance fee.

Are there any facilities or amenities available at Aqueduct Park, such as restrooms or picnic areas?

There are no restrooms or cafés inside the park, but there are restaurants and coffee bars just outside the park limits where you can purchase food and drinks and use the restrooms. Picnics are allowed inside the park. There are designated areas for dogs but no playground areas for children.

Ways to explore

Aqueduct Park 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 historic 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 Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), the San Callisto and San Sebastiano Catacombs, the Circus of Maxentius (Circo di Massenzio), and the tomb of Cecilia Metella.

Accessibility

The dirt paths are largely flat. There are accessible toilets.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Hat, sunscreen, snacks, water

What to wear

Comfortable clothing, walking shoes

Not allowed

No barbecues, climbing on the aqueducts or monuments

Amenities

Paths, toilets, drinking fountains, picnic areas

Address

Aqueduct Park is about a 20-minute ride or drive from central Rome. There are several ways to get there, including tours with transportation, driving, and public transit.

Driving

From central Rome, take Via Tuscolana southeast for about 5 miles (8 kilometers). There is parking available near the park entrance, but it’s limited. Public transit is a safer bet.

Public transportation

Take Metro Line A (red line) and get off at the Giulio Agricola stop (Subaugusta works, too). From there, it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to the park entrance.

Best times to visit

Try to visit at sunset, when golden hour hits the aqueducts. Early morning is nice, as well.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for visiting the park, as it’s entirely outdoors with limited shade.

Special events

The park’s Roma Cinema Arena, a large open-air theater, screens movies in the summer, typically in July.