Cisterns of Tawila, Ancient water reservoirs in Aden, Yemen.
The Cisterns of Tawila are a collection of water tanks in Aden carved directly into rock and sealed with fine plaster. Multiple connected basins allowed rainwater to be stored and distributed throughout the city via various channels.
The structures were built between the 1st century BCE and the 6th century during the Himyarite Kingdom era, when the region controlled thriving trade routes. Later, the Ottomans used and renovated them, recognizing their importance for water supply.
The cisterns show how people in this dry region gathered and distributed water to sustain life in the city. You can still see how the stonework was carved into rock and how water flowed from above into the basins.
The cisterns sit elevated in the city and can be explored on foot, though access may sometimes be restricted. It is wise to watch for uneven ground and wear sturdy shoes to navigate safely through the ancient site.
The site shows traces of at least two different construction phases separated by hundreds of years, reflecting the region's eventful history. These overlapping techniques allow visitors to trace the development of water storage and engineering knowledge directly.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
