Castellum aquae, Roman water distribution building in Pompeii, Italy

The Castellum Aquae is a water distribution structure in Pompeii featuring a circular basin with pipes at different elevations for channeling water to various districts. This facility served as the central hub where incoming water was redirected through lead pipes toward different areas of the city.

The Castellum Aquae received water from the Serino aqueduct that supplied the entire city, and sustained damage during an earthquake in 62 AD. The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD preserved the structure in its damaged state.

The Castellum Aquae reveals how Romans managed the city's water supply and shaped daily life through this infrastructure. Visitors can observe how this structure was essential to serving private homes, public baths, and street fountains throughout the settlement.

The structure is accessible on foot within the archaeological site and sits at an elevated position, making it easy to spot and navigate to. Visitors should expect uneven ground typical of ancient ruins when walking around this location.

The tank inside was split into three compartments, each feeding a separate pipe: one for street fountains, one for public buildings such as baths, and one for private houses. In a shortage, the sluice gates cut the last two and kept only the fountains running. Traces of a fresco with nymphs and river gods survive on the north wall.