Aqueduct of Vanvitelli
Seeing the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli blocking a chaotic country road East of Caserta is like a mirage. The grandiose three tier structure stands out as an engineering feat at odds with the surroundings.
The Aqueduct of Vanvitelli – also known as Carolino Aqueduct in honour of the King Charles III of Bourbon – was constructed in 1753 -1769 with a purpose to bring water to the fish pond, the fountains and the cascades featured in the gardens at the Royal Palace of Caserta. Along the way, it also managed to provide water to a few mountain villages, irrigation to the flatlands and augmenting the flow in the aqueduct that supplies water to Naples.
Architect and engineer Luigi Vanvitelli from Napoli was the mastermind behind the palace and the aqueduct. His baroque and neoclassicistic style combined with a highly developed sense of scenographic drama had earned him the commission.
A Calm But Steady Flow
The watercourse takes water from springs near Bucciano in the province of Benevento and carries it 38 km mostly underground to the palace. All along the way, it drops only half a millimeter for each meter of length, providing calm but steady flow. It took the water four hours to run from the source to the fountains.
The impressive three tier Aqueduct of Vanvitelli seen from a dirt track along the shoulder of the road to Telese.
Ten km from Caserta, a 529 metre long and 55 metre high aqueduct was erected to bridge the Maddaloni Valley. At the time this was the longest bridge span in Europe, and it was sustained by three rows of 19, 29 and 43 arches. The structure was modeled on ancient Roman aqueducts that were found to have an extraordinary beautiful regularity.
Disappointing Presentation of World Heritage
The Aqueduct of Vanvitelli features on UNESCO’s World Heritage list along with the Royal Palace of Caserta, but most visits are due to disappoint.
There are no places to stop and observe the majestic aqueduct apart from an unauthorized dirt track along the shoulder of the busy road to Telese. At least none that we could find with just a map and a guidebook to help. And although the sight is highly memorable and impressive, you leave shortly afterwards feeling you’ve missed out on something. At least that was my experience, but hopefully one of you will know of a better way to admire the aqueduct and leave a comment.
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Very interesting! I may be driving by this way next month. I will look for it if we go that way.
It virtually blocks the way, so you can’t miss it.
Hi mette. We passed it today. True there is nowhere to stop but we got photos through the window. It is impressive. I thought it was fun to go through it.
Funny to hear you’ve been there too, Dina;) We managed to stop by the side of the road for a few minutes, before turning around to drive back towards Naples. And you’re right. Passing through is half the fun.
That’s a mighty impressive structure – and with he road running right through it. Too bad about the lack of vantage point.
Yes, I can’t see structures like that without envisioning the masons who had to lift and position stones in the top tier without modern tools and safety measures.
If anyone wishes to see an aquaduct that is similar to ones built in Roman times,
this is it !! Thank goodness the barbarians were gone when this was built
in 1750-1770..Magnifico !!.
We were just there 2 days ago. It is magnificent! Approaching from the direction of caserta, about 200 feet before the structure, there is a turnoff to the right. You can drive right up to it, and there are a few parking spots. You can walk up the road and get a little better, higher view of it. It amazes me how this was built so long ago without the equipment we have today.
Great tip. We never managed to find that turnoff, though we tried driving back and forth a couple of times. I have to go back now some time soon:)
If you really want to stop and observe the marvellous aqueduct, then find the route that takes you through the Madalloni Valley. It brings you directly to the top overlooking the aqueduct so you have a marvellous view. The descending road gives you breathtaking views of the grandiosity of the build. It is definitely worth adding to your road trip. We did in September 2024. It will not disappoint.
Great tip. Thanks for sharing. I love the Aqueduct of Vanvitelly, so we’ll definitely try that next time we’re in Campania.