Aqueduct of Saintes, Roman aqueduct in Charente-Maritime department, France
The Aqueduct of Saintes is a Roman water system that stretches across the landscape, combining open channels and underground passages to carry water from its sources. The structure uses different construction methods, including stone-lined channels and arched structures, to handle the changing terrain.
The first aqueduct was built in early Roman times to serve the city, and a second system was later added to meet rising demand as the population grew. These expansions show how the infrastructure adapted over time to serve the community.
The structure reveals different building styles and techniques developed over time, with stone arches and channels showing how Romans solved the challenge of moving water across the landscape. Walking among the remains shows the practical ingenuity that shaped the region.
The best views are found where the visible arches and channels reveal the system, especially in open sections and at preserved structures. Underground passages are not open to visitors, so visits focus on the remains visible above ground.
A remarkable underground passage connects two communes at significant depth, showing the exceptional engineering skill Romans displayed in difficult conditions. This hidden tunnel system demonstrates that Roman builders were willing to undertake massive efforts to achieve their water goals.
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