So many trips to Rome, as often driving right through this area, it was only in 2014 that we made some time to explore this large park on the outskirts of Rome.
Pope Pius IX took action to organize the archaeological ruins outside of Rome. The Park is predominately privately held (95%): 40% is held by aristocratic Roman families; 25% by companies; 21% by small landowners and 10% by the Catholic Church.
The Aqueduct Park was of special interst to me.
The Tombs of Via Latina are Roman, from 2 AD along a section of via Latina, an old Roman road outside of Rome.
The Parco degli Acquedotti, a public park, is named after the aqueducts that cut through the park. The Aqua Felix, the Aqua Claudia and the remains of the Villa delle Vignacce. Above is a photograph of the Aqua Claudia. This was constructed gby Emperor Caligula in 38 AD and finished by Emperor Claudius in 52AD. The acquaduct was powered by gravity, it droped one foot for eavery 300 feet.
Very peaceful, you drive through the suburbs of Rome, park the car and walk into the park. Within a few steps you are in open grass, walking through the ruins of these great acquaducts.
The Appian Way Regional Park is a large protected area of 3400 hectares. It starts on the border of Rome and goes along the Appia Way and stretches out into the countryside of Latium.
Glenn & karen marcus | my travels in Italy