Acquedotto del Nottolini
Italy
You'll follow the majestic, historic Nottolini aqueduct, cycling alongside its endless neoclassical arches as they stretch through the peaceful Lucchese countryside. The path leads you to the 'Parole d'oro', a hidden gem at the foot of the hills where the stone architecture meets a pristine natural springs area in a silent, emerald-green valley
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to one of the most remarkable architectural feats of 19th-century Italy: the Acquedotto del Nottolini. As you stand before this seemingly endless procession of arches, you might easily mistake it for a relic of the Roman…
Listen in the app2Maria Luisa of Bourbon’s Vision
To understand the aqueduct, we must understand the woman who ordered its construction. In 1822, Maria Luisa of Bourbon, as the Duchess of Lucca, recognized that the city's existing wells were increasingly contaminated and…
Listen in the app3The Engineering of the Arches
As we walk further from the city, the true scale of Nottolini's achievement becomes apparent. The 459 arches were built using a combination of brick and stone, designed to withstand the test of time while maintaining a…
Listen in the app4The Tempietto di Guamo
We have reached one of the most charming elements of the aqueduct's design: the Tempietto di Guamo, or the Little Temple of Guamo. Despite its appearance as a decorative garden structure, this circular Neoclassical building…
Listen in the app5The Mystery of the Golden Words
Continuing our trek toward the hills, we arrive at a magical green area known to the locals as 'Le Parole d'Oro'—the Golden Words. This name comes from the brass inscriptions found on some of the small masonry structures used for…
Listen in the app6The 21 Fountains of Lucca
The final destination of the water carried by Nottolini's arches is the historic center of Lucca. Once the water crosses the city walls, it is distributed to 21 fountains scattered throughout the squares and streets. …
Listen in the app7The Trekking Path Experience
To truly appreciate the Acquedotto del Nottolini, one must walk its length. The path running parallel to the arches is a haven for trekkers, joggers, and those seeking a 'relaxing and tranquil' escape from the city. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our exploration of Nottolini's Aqueduct concludes back near the city walls, where the arches disappear into the urban fabric. This structure is a profound reminder that the 'ancient' world and the 'modern' world are often…
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What is Acquedotto del Nottolini?
Acquedotto del Nottolini is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 43.8097, 10.5215 |
| Last updated |