The Alessandrino Aqueduct in Rome was constructed in the early part of the 3rd century. Both inside the city walls and outside the center, ruins of this impressive monument can still be seen. The source can be found to the north of the city of Colonna. The aqueduct entered the ancient city at the present Porta Maggiore.
Alessandrino Aqueduct Rome
History and description
The Alessandrino Aqueduct was the last one of the Roman Aqueducts. It was commissioned by Emperor Alessandro Severo, who reigned from 222 till 235 AD, and who also gave his name to the monument.
The aqueduct was constructed in 226. The emperor had ordered the Terme Neroniane-Alessandrine to be restored and of course he also needed to supply these baths with water.
The water for the Alessandrino Aqueduct comes from a source near Pantano Borghese. The aqueduct itself is built alongside the old Via Prenestina. Its first 22km (14 miles) were underground, but for the trajectory between Torre Angela and Tor Pignattara tall brick arches were used.
Brick was used as a material, for its qualities of being both strong and light.
It remained in use for several centuries, although the Lombards partially destroyed it in 775.
Where to see the Alessandrino Aqueduct
Like most of Rome’s aqueducts, the Aquedotto Alessandrino ended at Porta Maggiore.
Ruins of the aqueducts can be admired in various parts of the city, both inside and outside the Roman walls. In the countryside long stretches of the monument can be viewed near locations called Tenuta della Mistica and Fosso Tre Teste, though you would need a car to get there.
Within the city the best kept ruins of the aqueduct are found near the Viale Palmiro Togliatti. These parts consist of a double row of arches and is best viewed from the Piazza San Felice da Cantalice (along the Viale Alessandrino).
There are still visible stretches out in the countryside near, while the most impressive part within the city can be seen near the Viale Palmiro Togliatti.