Things to do

Acquedotto Felice

Via del Mandrione, 444/452, 00181 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)

Details

Acquedotto Felice stands as a testament to Rome's enduring engineering prowess, a magnificent aqueduct completed in 1586 under Pope Sixtus V, whose birth name, Felice Peretti, it commemorates. Stretching for miles, this impressive structure features majestic arches that gracefully traverse the landscape, offering a serene and historically rich setting. Located within the expansive Appia Antica Park, it provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle, immersing visitors in an atmosphere where ancient ingenuity meets natural beauty.

The aqueduct's journey culminates at the impressive Fontana dell'Acqua Felice, often referred to as the Fountain of Moses, situated on the Quirinal Hill. This monumental fountain, with its central statue of Moses and marble basins flanked by Egyptian lions, served as the grand display for the newly supplied water. Around the site, informative plaques offer valuable insights into the aqueduct's construction and its profound impact on Rome's development. The location is particularly captivating for leisurely walks and photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, when the light casts a magical glow upon the ancient stones.

This historical landmark is perfectly suited for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful experience away from the busier tourist trails. It works exceptionally well for those desiring an insightful stroll, a contemplative picnic amidst ancient ruins, or a picturesque backdrop for photography. The Acquedotto Felice ultimately appeals as an open-air museum where the intricate details of Roman engineering beautifully intertwine with the surrounding natural environment, offering a genuine glimpse into Rome's remarkable past.

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Comments

Roberto Cecchini

7 Apr 2026

5.0 ★

I'm adding this historic site to Maps—and obviously making it my first review—because what is the most "unfortunate" and modern of the aqueducts, despite its name (which recalls the real name of its commissioner, Sixtus V, aka Felice Peretti—Editor's note), is particularly significant at this point and enjoyed particular prestige, first with the Porta Furba (or Arch of Sixtus V) and the fountain (subsequently replaced in 1700 by Pope Clement XII), then with the appropriation of the property by the displaced people of San Lorenzo who, after the neighborhood's bombings, built shacks leaning against it along the stretch of Via del Mandrione. Built as they did in ancient times, for the construction of the aqueduct, Sixtus V did not hesitate to use materials taken from the Aqueduct of Claudius and the arches of the Aqueduct of Marcia; The new arches were thus erected over the foundations of the ancient Roman aqueducts. If you look closely, they are smaller and more sparsely spaced than the arches typical of ancient aqueducts, and have more massive piers. At the top, you can see the conduit, covered with a barrel vault to protect the water from environmental contamination. Pope Sixtus V falsely believed he had brought the Aqua Marcia and Aqua Appia back to Rome, having duplicated the route of the aqueduct. Notice the many twists, turns, and bends this structure makes compared to the others. Need some useful information? Then leave a like and check out the other reviews on Rome and beyond.