Aqueduct of Vanvitelli

Maddaloni, Italy

The Aqueduct of Vanvitelli is a 38-kilometre aqueduct that supplied water to the Reggia di Caserta and the San Leucio complex from the foot of the Taburno massif and springs of the Fizzo Contrada, in the territory of Bucciano.

Mostly underground, the aqueduct is noted for its well-preserved, three-tier, 529-metre-long tufa-arched section bridging the Valle di Maddaloni. This section was modelled after Roman arched aqueducts, is 55.8 metres at its highest point, crosses what is now highway SP335. The aqueduct has impressed foreign visitors the most since the eighteenth century. and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon, the aqueduct was designed by and named after Luigi Vanvitelli. Construction began in March 1753 and it opened on 7 May 1762.

At the base of the bridge there is a commemorative work called 'ossuary', inaugurated in 1899, in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle of Volturno, a clash between Garibaldi's volunteers and the Bourbon troops in 1860 near the river Volturno, during the expedition of the Thousand.

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Founded: 1753-1762
Category: Industrial sites in Italy

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Legends l (2 months ago)
Impressive aqueduct that blends into the landscape. Nice place to visit/spot when driving by. Parking can be tricky but there is a lay-by after the aqueduct if coming from Caserta direction.
Al c (11 months ago)
Definitely worth visiting it's just so much bigger than I imagined. It is in very nice condition. You cant walk on the top due to a gate. But you can follow a nice trail up to the top and see it.
Kelly Hyer (2 years ago)
While exploring the greater Naples area (Italy), had to make a quick stop to see this magnificent part of history! We drove by it a few times to soak it all in and ended up parking where I found the blue P sign for free parking (tiny side street where couldn't go too far in bc only open to residents). Massive, breath taking and unbelievable that our ancestors could engineer and build something so impressive. Only stated 10 minutes but worth the stop.
Stefano Prina (2 years ago)
When you visit the Royal Palace of Caserta don’t miss this wonderful aqueduct just 10 km away from the palace. Mostly underground, the aqueduct is well known for its well-preserved and absolutely amazing, three-tier, 529-metre-long tufa-arched section bridging the Valle di Maddaloni between Monte Longano and Monte Garzano. This section was modelled after Roman arched aqueducts, is 55.8 metres high at its highest point, crosses what is now highway SP335 — and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997. The Aqueduct of Vanvitelli or Caroline Aqueduct is a 38 km aqueduct that supplied water to the Reggia di Caserta and the San Leucio complex from the foot of the Taburno massif and springs of the Fizzo Contrada, in the territory of Bucciano. Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon, the aqueduct was designed by and named after Luigi Vanvitelli. Construction began in March 1753 and it opened on 7 May 1762. It is located in SS265, 81020 Valle di Maddaloni CE, Italy.
Andre Steinum (2 years ago)
Massive construction. The aquaduct is only a small part of the entire waterway that it is a part of. Located near to it is an old soldier memorial. Well worth a visit.
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