Plovdiv Roman Aqueduct (Komatevo)
Plovdiv
The Plovdiv Roman Aqueduct, located near the Komatevo district of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is a notable remnant of the city's ancient water supply system dating back to Roman times. This aqueduct was part of a larger network that transported water from sources on the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains to the city of Philippopolis, the ancient name of Plovdiv. The system included three main water intakes and a combination of underground pipelines and above-ground aqueducts, with the two main aqueduct branches running parallel near Komatevo. The western aqueduct, partially restored near the Komatevo road junction, was constructed using opus mixtum masonry, a Roman technique combining stone and brick layers. This sophisticated engineering feat supplied water to the city's fountains and public baths, supporting a population much smaller than today’s Plovdiv. The aqueducts are unique in Bulgaria, reflecting the importance of Philippopolis as a Roman provincial capital and its advanced urban infrastructure. Today, visitors can see the restored sections and appreciate the scale and ingenuity of this ancient water distribution system.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider exploring the aqueduct during daylight hours for the best visibility of the restored structures. The site is accessible year-round, and no formal ticket is required. Combining the visit with a tour of Plovdiv’s Roman heritage sites enhances the experience. While no specific discounts apply, checking local tourist information centers for guided tours or combined tickets to archaeological sites is recommended.
Faits intéressants
- •The aqueduct system supplied approximately 43,000 cubic meters of water per day to ancient Philippopolis, a significant volume for its time.
- •The aqueducts near Komatevo are the only known Roman aqueduct remains in Bulgaria.
- •The western aqueduct was constructed with opus mixtum, a Roman masonry technique alternating stone blocks and bricks.
- •Foundations of the aqueduct were built on wooden piles driven into the ground for stability.
- •The water system included underground pipelines beneath the city streets, made of clay and lead pipes.
- •The aqueduct remnants near the ancient stadium of Philippopolis are believed to be part of the western aqueduct.
Histoire
The aqueduct system of Philippopolis was developed during the Roman period to provide a reliable water supply to the city, which was a key administrative center in the province of Thracia.
Water was sourced from three main catchments in the Rhodope Mountains and transported via underground clay pipes and two above-ground aqueducts.
The western aqueduct, about 6 kilometers long, was built using Roman opus mixtum masonry and supported by stone foundations on wooden piles.
Over centuries, the aqueduct system was maintained and adapted to the city's needs, reflecting the importance of water infrastructure in Roman urban planning.
Although much of the original structure was destroyed or buried over time, parts have been excavated and partially restored, preserving this unique example of Roman engineering in Bulgaria.
Guide du lieu
Western Aqueduct SectionRoman period
A partially restored segment of the western aqueduct near the Komatevo road junction showcasing Roman opus mixtum masonry and stone foundations built on wooden piles.