A hydraulic work from the Roman era, consisting of a long underground canal, six tunnels and thirty-two wells, which the emperor Claudius had built between 41 and 52 AD. to drain Lake Fucino with the aim of safeguarding the Marsican villages from floods or unhealthy shallows and making the emerged land cultivable.
Claudio’s tunnels
At the foot of Monte Salviano, the imposing entrances of the Cunicoli di Claudio, improperly known as the tunnels of Nero, overlook the Fucino plain.
The underground tunnel, 5,653 meters long which goes from Borgo Incile to Capistrellobuilt to regulate the variable levels of the Fucino lake and until 1871 was the longest underground tunnel in the world.
To simplify the work of drilling and extracting the material, 32 vertical wells and 6 inclined tunnels were dug, of which the impressive remains are still visible.
Through the tunnels the waters of the lake flowed through the belly of Mount Salviano from the territory of Avezzano along the underground tunnel of almost six kilometers until it merged into the Liri river on the opposite side of the mountain, under the ancient village of Capistrello
Before the opening of the locks, Emperor Claudius wanted to celebrate the work by organizing a naval battle on the lake, in the presence of his wife Agrippina and the young Nero.
The visit consists of a tunnel of approximately 200 metres, an 800 meter well and another shorter tunnel. The detailed explanations of the competent guides make the visit truly interesting to discover the high level of ancient Roman engineering.
Free entry by reservation or for a fee via guided tours
Reservations are mandatory by calling 0863-455734 (Mon – Fri / 9.00 – 13.00).
The use of non-slip shoes is required, the mandatory safety helmet provided by the organization.
Cunicoli di Claudio Archaeological Park
Via Cavour
Location Borgo Incile
Avezzano (L’Aquila)
Abruzzo – Italy
LIMES Archaeological Cooperative Society
ABAP Superintendence provinces of L’Aquila and Teramo
What to do see where to go in the province in the surrounding area near places to visit weekends Archeology Historical Buildings History Attractions Itineraries Walks Curiosities Caves Culture tourist interest activities for Families Excursions discover sites free entry