Vanvitelli Aqueduct
Latest page update: 6 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Vanvitelli Aqueduct was built in 1762 and is situated in the Province of Caserta. Vanvitelli refers to the name of its designer but it is also known by some as the Caroline Aqueduct.
Since 1997 it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the full heading of 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex. |
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The Vanvitelli Aqueduct, also known as the Acquedotto Carolino, is an impressive engineering feat located in the Campania region of southern Italy. Designed by the renowned architect Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century, the aqueduct was constructed under the reign of King Charles of Bourbon to provide water to the Royal Palace of Caserta and surrounding areas, as part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure in the kingdom.
Spanning over 38 kilometers, the aqueduct is an elegant and functional structure that showcases the brilliance of Baroque architecture and engineering. The most striking feature of the aqueduct is its series of large, majestic arches, which span across the landscape, crossing valleys, rivers, and hills. The aqueduct’s route includes over 70 arches, with the tallest arch standing at 55 meters, making it one of the highest in Europe at the time of its construction.
The aqueduct is a testament to Vanvitelli's skill in harmonizing architectural beauty with practicality. The arches themselves are made of stone, and their design is both elegant and monumental, creating a visually stunning structure that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. The aqueduct was built to transport water from the Serino River to the Royal Palace, and it played a critical role in supplying the palace and the surrounding areas with fresh water for both drinking and agricultural use.
Today, the Vanvitelli Aqueduct is not only a historical landmark but also an engineering marvel that continues to attract visitors interested in its architectural and technological significance. The aqueduct is an important symbol of the ingenuity and vision of 18th-century Italian engineering.
Spanning over 38 kilometers, the aqueduct is an elegant and functional structure that showcases the brilliance of Baroque architecture and engineering. The most striking feature of the aqueduct is its series of large, majestic arches, which span across the landscape, crossing valleys, rivers, and hills. The aqueduct’s route includes over 70 arches, with the tallest arch standing at 55 meters, making it one of the highest in Europe at the time of its construction.
The aqueduct is a testament to Vanvitelli's skill in harmonizing architectural beauty with practicality. The arches themselves are made of stone, and their design is both elegant and monumental, creating a visually stunning structure that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. The aqueduct was built to transport water from the Serino River to the Royal Palace, and it played a critical role in supplying the palace and the surrounding areas with fresh water for both drinking and agricultural use.
Today, the Vanvitelli Aqueduct is not only a historical landmark but also an engineering marvel that continues to attract visitors interested in its architectural and technological significance. The aqueduct is an important symbol of the ingenuity and vision of 18th-century Italian engineering.
Acquedotto di Vanvitelli/Acquedotto Carolino
Comune: Valle di Maddaloni
Province: Caserta Region: Campania Built: 1762 Close by: Caserta, San Leucio Complex, Royal Palace of Caserta Fly to: Naples International Airport (29 km) Recommended accommodation: Plana Hotel (13 km) |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
18th Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex
Year: 1997
18th Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex
Year: 1997