Acquedotto Medioevale

Sulmona's medieval aqueduct runs along the western side of Piazza Garibaldi. Built in 1256 under Manfred of Swabia, its pointed arches carried water from the Gizio to the city's gardens, mills and fountains. An inscription between two arches records its date.

Why it matters

The aqueduct is a substantial surviving monument from Sulmona's medieval period. Its construction under Manfred reflects the prosperity and civic development of the city during the Swabian era. The conduit supplied water from the Gizio to urban uses, including gardens, mills and fountains.

What to notice

The aqueduct extends for just over one hundred metres in three unequal sections, carried on limestone piers. Twenty-one arches form the structure: fifteen along the long side facing the square, five in the shorter stretch and a round-headed bay near the Fontana del Vecchio, where the conduit once ended. The inscription between two arches records the year 1256.

Context and history

The aqueduct carried water from the Gizio through the Forma Grande canal to Sulmona. It was built under Manfred of Swabia in 1256 and became part of the city's water system, serving gardens, mills and fountains. The nearby Fontana del Vecchio marks one end of the line, while the later Fontana di Piazza Garibaldi stands in front of the arches.