Aqueduct of Nottolini, Lucca

The Aqueduct of Nottolini is an impressive 19th-century Neoclassical aqueduct near Lucca. Spanning over three kilometers with more than 400 brick arches, it was constructed to supply the city with fresh water from the mountains to the south. While its monumental structure is often mistaken for an ancient Roman aqueduct, it was designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini and built between 1823 and 1851 under the rule of Maria Luisa of Spain, Duchess of Lucca.

The aqueduct begins at Monte di Vorno, where multiple mountain springs were funneled into a domed, temple-like cistern near San Quirico in Guamo. From there, water traveled through covered stone conduits to the San Concordio tank, located just outside Lucca’s fortified walls. From this central reservoir, metal pipes distributed potable water to fountains across the city, including the elegant circular fountain in Antelminelli Square (Piazza Antelminelli), next to Lucca Cathedral.

Originally, the system operated entirely by gravity, with iron conduits allowing for thermal expansion. However, its continuity was disrupted in 1928-1932, when Mussolini’s government constructed the A11 motorway, cutting through its structure.

Today, while no longer functioning as an aqueduct, the Aqueduct of Nottolini is an integral part of Lucca’s landscape, with its pathways now serving as a scenic walking, jogging, and cycling route. Locals and visitors alike enjoy its tranquil surroundings, where rolling green fields and colorful houses frame this historic marvel. Many still collect fresh water from fountains located at the base of some of its arches, keeping alive a tradition that has lasted for nearly two centuries. The path along the aqueduct eventually leads to Guamo, offering an enchanting blend of history, nature, and everyday Italian life.