Sunday living in Rome at the Parco degli Acquedotti

29th of August to 2nd September 2013

The Parco degli Acquedotti is a public park that lies off the page borders of any typical tourist map of Rome. It is a park where one can marvel at the ancient history of Rome while enjoying the tranquility of nature.

When one arrives it seems unreal that such calm can exist in the eternal city bursting at the seams with tourists and we are fortunate enough to have friends who live in Rome that can introduce us to these hidden gems. It allows one to experience the true inner heart of the city and its people.

 On route to Parco degli Acquedotti with Giuseppe and Valeria

Parco degli Acquedotti lies within a suburb 8 km south east from the centre of Rome. To reach the park we took Line A of the Rome Metro to the station Giulio Agricolo, a street named after the Roman general Gnaeus Julius Agricolo.

The park is named after the aqueducts that criss-cross across its ground. It is a large park covering an area of approximately 15 hectares.

We strolled through the grounds admiring what may seem as simple structures to the naked eye but are yet superior feats of engineering from ancient Rome. 

The aqueducts are truly overwhelming to see. If one can only imagine that these colossal structures were built thousands of years ago and that they are still standing is unbelievable.

It is recorded that the secret ingredient to the preservation of the Aqua Claudia in the park was volcanic ash the Romans mixed into the concrete, making the concrete stronger and more durable.

Aqua Claudia, completed in 52 AD by Emperor Claudius, is 69 kilometers long and it delivered 185 000 cubic meters 0f water per day to the city.

Water travelled for kilometers through the arches of the aqueducts till it reached its terminus in the city or majestically displayed fountain. 

The terminus was not only a grand display marking the entry of the water source into the city, symbolising the entire achievement of the aqueduct but served a more practical purpose too. The marble basins served as water reservoirs and the marble barriers kept animals from polluting the water. It could also have included basins for washing laundry.

The aqueducts are powered by gravity and at every 90 m the level of the aqueduct drops by 30 cm

The grounds are vast with many sights and sounds to enjoy, from the rural wheat fields on the fringe of the park to taking a moment to listen to the trickling waterfalls.

As we ambled along the paths lined with various fruit and nut trees that we tried to identify and were wishing that if only the fruit was ripe enough to pick how sweet life would be, it was clear to see why people enjoy spending time in the park.

It is so easy to submerge yourself in history and nature in the Parco degli Acquedotti

The park offers something for everyone, big or small, old or young, hipster or athlete.

There are many paths where exercise enthusiasts can cycle, walk and run. Little children can feel the thrill of a pony ride while the older boys play soccer on the vast fields with the younger girls giggling under the trees.

Old pine trunks that have fallen down provide a stage on which musicians can gather and jam away providing an amicable ambience in which to read your book, perched on your secret spot on the aqueduct.

As the world goes by and dogs splash in the ponds to fetch a ball, couples are romantically strolling along the paths and families are having fun-filled picnics.

A few of the many activities one can enjoy at the Parco degli Acquedotti

Sunday living in Rome cannot get better than this and if I had to end my weekend with an afternoon in the Parco degli Acquedotti, then my week would only have a sweet beginning.

It is a rare opportunity to experience a country and its culture away from the maddening crowds of tourists and do as the locals would do. It enhances your experience of the country and adds something more meaningful to your travels, especially if one could share it with friends.

Thank you Giuseppe and Valeria for a beautiful and memorable day in the Parco degli Acquedotti.