World Water Day: Water, wells and fountains at the time of Tridentum

On the occasion of the World Water Day, on 22 March, the Spazio Archeologico Sotterraneo del Sas / Sas Underground Archaeological Space in Trento proposes Acque, pozzi e fontane al tempo di Tridentum | World Water Day: Water, wells and fountains at the time of Tridentum, a guided visit focusing on water and its importance since the foundation of Trento.

Together with an archaeologist from the Educational Services of the Archaeological Heritage Office of the Department for Cultural Heritage, participants will have the opportunity to learn about interesting facts, construction techniques and aspects related to this precious element and its use in the ancient Roman city. Participation and admission to the site are free of charge; booking is not required.

Like many other cities, Trento was founded near water. Around the second half of the 1st century BC, the Romans chose a bend in the river Adige to protect the northern side of the city, defended by walls on the other three sides. The river also served as a communication and trade route.

The engineering skills of the Romans are also evident when admiring the decumanus preserved in the Sas Underground Archaeological Space, where part of the articulated sewage system beneath the city is visible. It was an efficient system with main and secondary canals that carried waste water from public and private buildings almost invisibly outside. There were inspection shafts for maintenance as well.

Archaeological excavations have established that this network had been in perfect working order at least until the 4th century AD. For the supply of water, Tridentum was equipped with wells, such as the one still visible at the Sas. Later, probably around the second half of the 1st century A.D., a public aqueduct was built with pipes placed under the pavements. This made it possible to bring water to fountains, both public and private. Particularly interesting and visible at the Sas is the fountain pillar, made of white limestone, on which a theatre mask is carved.

Information

Provincia autonoma di Trento
Soprintendenza per i beni culturali
Ufficio beni archeologici
Via Mantova, 67 - 38122 Trento
tel. 0461 492161
uff.beniarcheologici@provincia.tn.it
www.cultura.trentino.it/Temi/Archeologia