Cisternone Romano: An Ancient Roman Water Cistern in Formia

Site at a Glance

Rating
4.5
Popularity
Low
Country
Italy
Primary era
Classical
External website
Open
Eras represented
Classical
Civilizations
Roman
Site type
Infrastructure
Remains
Cistern

History

The Cisternone Romano is an ancient Roman water cistern in Formia, Italy, dating to the first century BC. It was built to receive water from aqueducts, engineered systems for conveying water, and redistribute it throughout the city. The cistern predates the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and is designated Italian national heritage.

The large underground structure has an irregular perimeter. Rows of columns divide its interior into four aisles, or lengthwise sections separated by supports, forming the spaces through which the stored water was organized.

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