Cisterne Romane di Todi

The Roman Cisterns of Todi are two underground reservoirs beneath the streets near Piazza del Popolo. Their twelve vaulted chambers preserve an important example of Roman hydraulic engineering designed to supply water to the hilltop city.

Why it matters

Built alongside the Roman forum, the cisterns formed part of the infrastructure that sustained life on Todi's elevated site. The Ministry of Culture describes them as the city's principal Roman hydraulic monument.

What to notice

The two rectangular reservoirs measure about 50 by 8 metres, and each is divided into twelve communicating chambers beneath vaulted ceilings. One cistern runs beside the Palazzo del Capitano and beneath the Palazzo dei Priori; its twin extends beneath Via del Monte, Via Valle Inferiore and Via Mazzini.

Context and history

The cisterns were constructed as part of the Roman-era layout of the forum. A first restoration is dated to the early second century AD, evidence that the system was maintained after its construction. Their chambers survived beneath the later urban fabric and remain a record of the city's ancient water supply.