Roman Eifel Water Pipeline

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Historic site
In ancient times, Cologne was supplied with fresh water from the Eifel region by one of the longest aqueducts in the Roman Empire. The section in the garden area of the district government serves as a showcase for this technical masterpiece of Rome's engineers.

The almost 100 km long water pipeline was capable of transporting 20,000 cubic metres of fresh Eifel water from the area of present-day Nettersheim to Cologne. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the water pipeline could no longer be maintained and deteriorated in parts. This led to a considerable deterioration of the water quality in the city. From then on, drinking water was obtained from wells. It was not until the 19th century that a functioning, modern fresh water and sewage system was built again.

Today, a hiking trail leads along the Roman aqueduct. In addition to visiting preserved sections of the Roman fresh water pipeline, the hiking tour is characterised by its beautiful landscape.  

Good to know

Eligibility

  • Suitable for any weather

  • for Groups

  • for Class

  • for families

  • for individual guests

  • Suitable for the Elderly

Directions & Parking facilities

The partial section of the Roman Eifel water conduit is set up in the garden area of the Cologne district government. This is located approx. 500 m from Cologne main station.
The stop Appellhofplatz is in the immediate vicinity and can be reached with lines 3, 4, 5, 16, 18 of the Cologne light rail system.

Author

KölnTourismus GmbH
Kardinal-Höffner-Platz 1
50667 Köln

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Roman Eifel Water Pipeline
Zeughausstraße
50667 Köln