Piscina Mirabilis
The Piscina Mirabilis was a freshwater cistern on the Bacoli cliff at the western end of the Gulf of Naples, southern Italy. One of the largest freshwater cisterns built by the ancient Romans,[1] it was situated there in order to provide the Roman western imperial fleet at Portus Julius with drinking water.[2]
The cistern was dug entirely out of the tuff cliff face and was 15 metres (49 ft) high, 72 metres (236 ft) long, and 25 metres (82 ft) wide. The capacity/volume was 12,600 cubic metres (440,000 cu ft).[1] It was supported by vaulted ceilings and a total of 48 pillars. It was supplied with water from the main Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Augusta, which brought water from sources in Serino near Avellino, 100 kilometres distant, to Naples.[1]
The ancient cistern is currently in private hands, but parts of it may still be visited by the public.[2]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "The Piscina mirabilis". Naples: Life, Death, and Miracles. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- 1 2 "Napoli Underground - Piscina Mirabilis" (in Italian). 2 March 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
External links
Coordinates: 40°47′43″N 14°4′48″E / 40.79528°N 14.08000°E
Archaeological sites in Campania | ||
|---|---|---|
| Province of Avellino |     | |
| Province of Benevento | ||
| Province of Caserta | ||
| Province of Naples | ||
| Province of Salerno | ||