Aqueduct of Valens, Roman aqueduct in Fatih, Turkey
The Aqueduct of Valens is a stone and brick structure that spans across Atatürk Boulevard in Istanbul, composed of a series of connected arches. The structure displays Roman engineering techniques with multiple tiers of arcades that dominate the urban landscape.
The aqueduct was built in the late 4th century as a water supply system and served the city for centuries afterward. After its construction under Roman rule, it continued functioning through the Byzantine period and remained operational under Ottoman administration.
The aqueduct represents Roman engineering methods and served both Byzantine and Ottoman empires through an extensive network of underground cisterns.
The structure sits near major transit hubs and is easy to reach using public transportation. The bazaar and the historic districts of the old city are all within walking distance.
The aqueduct originally carried water over a long distance and was later repurposed as a bridge for city traffic. Today it connects two parts of the city and shows how ancient structures can adapt to new purposes.
Location: Fatih
Location: Istanbul Province
Location: Istanbul
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture
Made from material: stone
GPS coordinates: 41.01599,28.95557
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
This collection shows the impressive water structures that people built in ancient times to transport water across long distances. Roman and Ottoman engineers constructed aqueducts that crossed rivers and valleys, standing up to 50 meters high. They were made of multiple layers of stone arches stacked elegantly on top of each other. These structures work on a simple principle: water flows downward from distant springs and rivers to cities, where it arrives ready for use. Throughout Europe, the Mediterranean region, and the Near East, you can still find remnants of these ancient systems today. The Pont du Gard in France and the aqueducts of Segovia in Spain showcase the craftsmanship of the time. In Turkey, you can see the Valens Aqueduct, which brought water to Istanbul. Italy has several examples, including the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli in Caserta and remains in Rome itself. These structures show how deeply ancient people understood how to use their environment. Each of these structures tells a story about how important water was to city life. They are not just technical achievements, but works you can still see and touch today. Many are preserved well enough that you can understand their original purpose.
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