Acqua Felice, Renaissance aqueduct in Rome, Italy.
Acqua Felice is an aqueduct that runs roughly 24 kilometers from the Pantano Borghese springs to Quirinal Hill, switching between underground channels and elevated arches. The system travels through the city with different structures, and sections remain visible above ground.
Pope Sixtus V commissioned this aqueduct in 1586 as the first new water system in Rome since ancient times, led by Giovanni Fontana. Its completion marked a turning point in the city's infrastructure.
The terminal fountain Fontana dell'Acqua Felice displays biblical scenes instead of classical imagery, reflecting the religious outlook under Pope Sixtus V. This choice of subjects set a different tone from older Roman fountains and shaped how the city looked.
The water system continues to supply various parts of Rome, and can be viewed at several locations, especially along Via delle Terme di Diocleziano. Those who want to explore the visible arches and channels will find them easily accessible in this area of the city.
The project was finished remarkably fast and supplied water to around 27 public fountains across the city by 1589. This speed was extraordinary for a structure of this size and shows how skilled the engineers of that time were.
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