Acquedotto Claudio, Tor Fiscale

Acquedotto Claudio, Tor Fiscale

Acquedotto Claudio, Tor Fiscale

10×12″

Oil on Panel

© Kelly Medford, 2011

The Roman acqueducts have to be one of the most impressive and moving sights in Rome. Not only are they a unique phenomenon, but a powerful presence in the Roman landscape. They jut out and tower over silent fields all across the Roman countryside, still claming what was once a vital part of the Roman empire.

This acqueduct is named after the emperor Claudius who finished building it in 52 a.d., but was already in use before its completion. It is still enormous (and beautiful with its gigantic and solid grey stones) and was 45 miles long, providing water to 14 Roman districts. Now that’s impressive.

I’m awed by these giants and love any opportunity to walk next to and under their arches. This was painted in a park where people picnic and there is a children’s playground. But because it must have been a 100° out this day, there wasn’t a soul around, just me and Claudio.