Roman Cisterns
A vast underground water-storage complex beneath Amelia’s ancient forum, engineered to serve the Roman municipality with precision and sophistication.
At a glance
The Roman cisterns occupy a subterranean space directly below Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, built during Amelia’s transition from an Umbrian settlement to a Roman municipality. This engineering achievement comprises ten interconnected rooms, each nearly 19 meters long, designed to capture and store water from multiple sources.
History
The cistern was constructed when the ancient Umbrian center of Amelia received the status of Roman municipality. Located beneath what was the forum of Roman Ameria—now known as Piazza del Comune—the structure represents a critical infrastructure investment in the city’s development. Water supply systems such as these were essential to sustaining growing urban populations in the Roman world.
What you see
Ten rooms of comparable dimensions form the cistern complex. Each chamber measures approximately 19 meters in length with widths and heights between 5 and 6 meters. The rooms intercommunicate, allowing water to flow and distribute throughout the system.
The cistern captured water through multiple channels: wells collected rainwater, roof drains funneled precipitation from structures above, and natural slopes supplied additional runoff through an impluvium system—a sophisticated approach to maximizing every available water source.
Cultural significance
The cisterns reveal the Roman priorities of urban planning and hydraulic engineering. Their scale and complexity underscore Amelia’s importance as a Roman settlement and the technical knowledge required to sustain cities in antiquity. The structure remains a tangible testament to how Romans adapted their infrastructure to local geography and climate.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 5, Amelia, Umbria
- Coordinates: 42.5586558, 12.412434
- Phone: 0744 978120
- Official website: Sistema Museo
Practical information
The cisterns are accessed through the museum system. Contact the number provided or visit the official website for current hours, admission fees, and any restrictions on visits to the underground chambers.
Getting there
The cisterns are located beneath Piazza Giacomo Matteotti in the heart of Amelia. Public transportation connects to the town; the plaza is within the historic center and accessible on foot once you arrive.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
Historical events at this place (1)
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