Pont d'Aël, Aymavilles, Italy

The Pont d'Aël is a Roman aqueduct, located in the comune of Aymavilles in Aosta Valley, northern Italy. It was built in the year 3 BCE for irrigation purposes and supplying water for the newly founded colony of Augusta Praetoria, which is now known as Aosta. The water was directed through a neighbouring valley 66 m above the floor of the Aosta valley, through a sophisticated system. The aqueduct is 6 km long in total. In addition to its unusual position, the construction, which was originally thought to be a three-story structure, shows more unique features such as a control corridor below the water line, as well as explicit private funding. Today, the water channel of the aqueduct serves as a public walking trail.

Besides the Pont d'Aël, two other Roman bridges in the Aosta valley are still intact: the Pont-Saint-Martin in the town of the same name and the Pont de Pierre in Aosta.

References:

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User Reviews

Kees Schalken (12 months ago)
Incredible roman structure. You really wonder how they could construct an aquaduct annex bridge in this gorge!

jacqueline Golding (16 months ago)
Fabulous Roman aqueduct & foot passage way below, all newly renovated. During summer months foot passage open to the public. Continue onwards 1.5km to tunnel carved in the rock with an opening onto waterfall. Spectacular. Kids & dog friendly.

Diane Dowling (2 years ago)
Stunning spot and amazing to think that the bridge is more than 2000 years old. The ticket office didn't open until 10 and we were there just after 9 so we didn't go through but we did go over!

Jock Gill (3 years ago)
2000 year old example of superb Roman engineering. Apprentice this was built with private funding, not state money. Located in a ravine and a small village. Recommended

Jean-Jacques Maucuer (3 years ago)
Glorious testimony of Romans building genius. Impressive!

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