Ancient Rome in a Wide-Open Meadow

The Park of the Aqueducts (Parco degli Acquedotti) is one of Rome's most cinematic and best-loved spots: a sweeping green expanse in the Tuscolano district, in the southeast of the city, cut through by the monumental remains of ancient Roman aqueducts. Walking among the great arches as they rise against the sky, umbrella pines in the distance, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Here ancient Rome isn't locked away in a museum; it lives out in the open, among joggers, cyclists, picnickers and people walking the dog. The park is part of the larger Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica and sits just steps from the Cinecittà studios.

The park takes its name from the many aqueducts that run across it, a testament to Rome's extraordinary hydraulic engineering. The most imposing are the Acquedotto Claudio (Aqua Claudia), with its tall, majestic arches, and the Acquedotto Felice (the Renaissance-era Acqua Felice aqueduct), built partly on the structures of the ancient Aqua Marcia. These channels carried millions of liters of water into Rome each day, drawn from the springs of the Castelli Romani and the Aniene valley.

The Park of the Aqueducts is also a famous film location: its arches appear in unforgettable Italian and international films, from La Dolce Vita to La Grande Bellezza. It's no coincidence that it sits close to the Cinecittà studios.

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What to See

The magic of the park is walking among the towering Roman arches that stride across open meadows, framed by umbrella pines and wide-open sky. Here's what not to miss.

The Aqua Claudia

The undisputed star is the Acquedotto Claudio (Aqua Claudia), built in the 1st century AD: its tall, commanding arches run for hundreds of meters through the park, creating one of ancient Rome's most spectacular open-air views. This is where the park's most famous images come from, the cinematic ones included.

The Acqua Felice Aqueduct

Running alongside the Claudia is the Acquedotto Felice (Acqua Felice aqueduct), built in the late 16th century by Pope Sixtus V, partly on the structures of the ancient Aqua Marcia. Its long line of brick arches crosses the park and visually intersects the Roman arcades, sparking a captivating dialogue between antiquity and the Renaissance.

The Casale di Roma Vecchia and the Ruins

The park also holds:

  • The Casale di Roma Vecchia, an old rural farmstead set along the aqueducts.
  • Ruins and scattered remains across the meadows, witnesses to the historic Roman countryside (Campagna Romana).
  • Stretches of the ancient Via Latina, another consular road.
  • The water troughs and streams that bring the greenery to life.

The Most Photogenic Spots

  • The arches of the Claudia at dawn or sunset, backlit.
  • The visual crossing of the Aqua Claudia and the Acqua Felice aqueduct.
  • The pines framing the arches, the signature image of the Roman countryside.

A simple route to see the best of it: head first for the arches of the Aqua Claudia, follow the Acqua Felice aqueduct along the park, seek out the Casale di Roma Vecchia and the ruins, stop for photos at dawn or sunset, then enjoy a stroll or a picnic in the meadows.

Tickets and Hours

The Park of the Aqueducts is a large public park with free, open access: there's no ticket and no need to book to wander among the aqueducts. It's one of Rome's most democratic and beloved spots, and since it's an open-air park you can visit year-round.

EntryDetails
CostFree
BookingNot required
AccessOpen year-round
HoursGenerally open during daylight hours

As an urban park, it's generally open during daylight hours; the hours of any fenced areas or facilities may vary, so check the official website or the signs on site. The best times to visit:

  • Early morning or late afternoon, for the finest light on the arches.
  • Sunset, when the aqueducts stand silhouetted in gold against the sky.
  • Spring and autumn, with ideal weather and lush green meadows.

How to Get There

The park sits in the Tuscolano district, between Via Tuscolana and Via Appia Nuova, and is easy to reach by Metro.

By Metro

The most convenient way is the Metro:

  • Giulio Agricola (Line A) — a short walk from here brings you to one of the park entrances. It is the most popular option.
  • Subaugusta (Line A) — another easy access point from this stop.

Line A connects directly to Termini, San Giovanni, and the city center, making the park very accessible.

By Bus

The area is also served by several bus lines along Via Tuscolana and the surrounding streets, handy for travelers coming from neighborhoods the Metro does not reach.

By Car and Private Driver (NCC)

The area is residential and offers street parking on the surrounding streets, but traffic can build up. With a private driver (NCC), the visit is far smoother: you are dropped at one of the park entrances and your transfers are handled for you, ideal for pairing the Park of the Aqueducts with a stop at Cinecittà, the Via Appia Antica, or other sights in Rome's south, with no parking headaches.

The park is large and has multiple entrances; those near Giulio Agricola and Subaugusta are the most convenient by Metro.

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Practical Tips

  • No ticket: entry is free, so enjoy the walk worry-free.
  • Comfortable shoes: the park is vast, and you'll be walking on dirt paths and grass.
  • Bring water and a hat: in summer there's little shade among the aqueducts, and there aren't many facilities inside.
  • Photography: at dawn and sunset the arches make for spectacular shots.
  • Know where to head: to see the most striking stretches, aim for the Acquedotto Claudio and the Acquedotto Felice.
  • Time needed: anywhere from an hour to half a day, depending on how far you want to wander.

The Park of the Aqueducts pairs well with the Cinecittà studios (right next door) and their museum, the Via Appia Antica and the Parco della Caffarella, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella and the other monuments along the Appia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Park of the Aqueducts? A vast green park in Rome's Tuscolano district, crossed by the monumental remains of ancient Roman aqueducts and part of the Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica.

Which aqueducts can you see? Above all the Acquedotto Claudio (Aqua Claudia), from the 1st century AD with its majestic arches, and the Acquedotto Felice, the Renaissance-era aqueduct built by Pope Sixtus V on the ancient Aqua Marcia. You'll also find the Casale di Roma Vecchia, scattered ruins, and stretches of the ancient Via Latina.

How much does it cost, and do I need to book? Nothing: entry is free and open, with no ticket or booking required.

What are the park's hours? It's an urban park, generally open during daylight hours; specific areas or facilities may keep their own hours. Check the signs on site or the official website.

Which Metro stop is for the park? Giulio Agricola on Line A is the most popular; Subaugusta is convenient too. From either, a short walk brings you to the park entrances.

When is the best time to visit? Spring and autumn for the weather, and the hours around dawn or sunset for the most beautiful light on the arches.

Why is it also famous in cinema? Its arches appear in celebrated films (from La Dolce Vita to La Grande Bellezza), and it sits close to the Cinecittà studios.

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