Nicopolis Roman Aqueduct, Roman aqueduct in Nicopolis, Greece

The Nicopolis Aqueduct was a Roman water system that carried water from mountain sources of the Louros River over great distance to the ancient city. The network consisted of channels with overhead arches, ground-level pipes, and tunnels driven through mountains.

Construction began under Octavian, who founded Nicopolis in 31 BC, and the conduit was probably completed only under Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, after earlier building phases in the 1st century. It was already out of service by the 4th century; in 362 Julian ordered its reactivation during works to renew the city. By the 5th century it had decayed again as Nicopolis shrank.

The structure shows Roman engineering methods that combine arches, pipelines, and tunnels carved through stone. Visitors can observe how the Romans used natural slopes to move water without pumps.

The aqueduct runs about 50 km from the springs at Agios Georgios, north of Filippiada, to Nicopolis. The best-preserved stretch is the rock-cut channel on the south side of the Isioma hill, 230 m long, 0.75 m wide and 1.20 m high. The two bridges with 3.80 x 3.60 m piers stand at the start of the line. The whole route is a protected archaeological zone.

Water flowed through two reservoirs at the Nymphaeum before being distributed throughout the city. This dual-reservoir system helped balance water pressure and ensure steady supply.