Aqueduct Park: a Roman secret for those who love strolling among ruins and picnics. An ironic guide to exploring this historical corner of Rome.
Strolling Among Ruins and Sandwiches at Aqueduct Park
If you think ancient Romans spent all day banqueting and fighting gladiators, think again. They also needed a good shower, and Aqueduct Park is proof they didn’t do things halfway. Located in the Appio Claudio district, this park is a perfect mix of history and nature. Here, you can walk under the towering arches of the Claudius aqueduct, imagining yourself as an emperor in serious need of hydration. And if imagining yourself in a toga isn’t your thing, you can always enjoy a nice picnic in the shade of these ancient stone giants. The Felice aqueduct, built in the 16th century, adds a Renaissance touch to this already breathtaking panorama. In short, Aqueduct Park is the perfect spot for those who love taking a trip back in time without missing out on a good sandwich.
The Aqueducts: Ancient Roman Spa
Before spas and wellness centers became a trend, Romans had aqueducts. The Claudius aqueduct, built in the 1st century AD, was an engineering marvel that brought fresh, clean water to Rome. Picture this: a tired Roman after a long day of conquests, refreshing under a stream of water straight from the mountains. The Felice aqueduct, added in the 16th century, shows that Romans weren’t the only ones who understood the importance of a good water flow. But don’t think everything was perfect: these stone giants required continuous maintenance, and there were moments of drought and management problems. Even emperors had plumbing issues.
A Refuge During the War (and Not Just for Mosquitoes)
During World War II, Aqueduct Park became a refuge for many Romans. With its maze of arches and thick vegetation, it offered protection from air raids. Imagine: running to save yourself from bombings and hiding behind a two-thousand-year-old monument. It’s not exactly like finding refuge behind any old bush, is it?
Cats and Gladiators
One day, while walking in the park, I saw a group of cats wandering around with Roman-like arrogance. I wondered if they were descendants of imperial cats, those who watched Caesar and Augustus while they sipped wine and discussed politics. Or maybe, they were just looking for an unsupervised picnic.
The Ghost of the Aqueduct
It is said that at night, among the arches of the Claudius aqueduct, the ghost of an ancient Roman engineer roams. He was obsessed with perfection and still ensures that everything works perfectly. If you hear strange noises, it might be him fixing some old crack.
An Underrated Historical Gem
If you’re tired of the usual tourist attractions, Aqueduct Park is the place for you. Here, you can walk among ancient ruins without the tourist crowd. Because there’s nothing better than relaxing in the shade of an ancient aqueduct, feeling a bit like an emperor, a bit like an explorer.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend it because you can stroll among ruins without the tourist crowd, feeling like a real Roman. And where else can you have a picnic with a view of an ancient aqueduct?
Why I Don’t Recommend It
I don’t recommend it if you hate walking or are afraid of mosquitoes. This park might not be your ideal spot. And don’t expect to find
