The Substruction of the Via Appia Antica

What it is and where it is

When one thinks of a monumental viaduct in the Ariccia Valley, one's mind immediately runs to the majestic structure of the bridge, with its two levels of arches rising lightly into the air. But this is an all-too-recent work, considering the long history of this place. The first Viaduct of Valle Ariccia, built by the Romans, is a spectacular artifact dating back to the second century BC. It is the Sostruzione, a solid ramp that allowed the Appia Antica to be elevated. Today it shows itself to us for a length of 198 meters and a maximum height of 11.56 meters, configuring itself as an authentic road monument.

Why it is special

When one gets close to take a good look at it, one is fascinated by the composure and solidity demonstrated by the original rocks, all firmly anchored in place. If one allows oneself to pause for a minute to reflect, the mind cannot help but wonder how it was possible, so many centuries ago, to succeed in building a viaduct that, with such a long career behind it, can boast of being more solid than many modern structures. It is works like this that consolidate the image of Rome as the Eternal City. With builders of this level, it could not be otherwise, could it?

A bit of history

The Roman viaduct is located in the 16th mile of the Via Appia Antica, which was the first mansio or postal station after Rome. It was built in the late second century B.C. to allow the Regina Viarum to cross the valley southeast of the settlement of the ancient Latin city of Aricia. In this section of the Via Appia route, numerous archaeological features can still be seen today that can be traced back to the remains of thermal buildings, temples and walls.

Curiosities

Among the many tributes that have been made to Ariccia over the centuries, we find one specifically aimed at celebrating the Sostruzione. It is an etching made in the 1700s at the hands of Giovan Battista Piranesi, who called the structure "Magnificent."

Antiquities of Albano and castel Gandolfo. Works by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Francesco Piranesi and others. Firmin Didot Freres, Paris, 1835-1839. Tome 11

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