Mineral springs still flowing in modern-day Római Strandfürdő (Roman Lido) supplied one of the greatest architectural feats of Roman Budapest, the aqueduct.
It provided running water not only to the Civil Town but during certain time periods the legionary fortress and the Military Town as well.
The starting point of the aqueduct was in a grove sacred to the nymphs, where well-houses standing on poles were constructed over the springs (we know of 14 springs so far) in the early 2nd century. The spring water was collected in terracotta vessels and channelled into pools. Altars from the area indicate that sacrifices were made there to the water-bringing, healing, and protecting deities.
The water collected from the springs was raised into the aqueduct, resting on pillars connected by arches. The slight gradient of the aqueduct ensured the continuous flow of water. The aqueduct entered the Civil Town next to its northern gate, passed through the town for more than 200 metres, crossed the southern wall, and then continued towards the Military Town.
The aqueduct was almost 5 km long and had a gradient of about 1 or 2 degrees. Water was probably drawn from various distribution and storage basins constructed along the aqueduct. The maintenance of the aqueduct required strong organisation, hence, with the end of Roman rule, the continuous operation of the aqueduct ceased from the end of the 4th century. The aqueduct is mentioned in medieval sources and documents and portrayed in engravings. Remains of the pillars can be found in the park north of the Aquincum Museum, while the reconstructed section of the aqueduct can be seen between the lanes of the Szentendrei Road between Aquincum and Kaszásdűlő stations.
