This is a somewhat misleading name. Although the area is quite fascinating and contains some impressive remains, there is little to be seen of seven aqueducts. The Aqua Claudia of 52 AD is the most impressive (first 2 photos), on top of which ran the Anio Nova, and these ruins alone make the journey out of the centre worthwhile. The Aqua Mariana is a ditch that you will only find if you are looking for it, which carries the water of the Aqua Iulia and the Aqua Tepula, though with the exception of this ditch, nothing can be seen of the three. The Aqua Marcia has largely vanished. There are traces of it here and there (see photo 3), but along most of its length near to Rome is was replaced in the late 16th century by the Aqua Felice of Pope Sixtus V (see photo 4.) There are therefore only truly five aqueducts that can be clearly viewed in the park. One of these is not Roman, one is fragmentary, one is a ditch only and the other two sit on top of one another. Alongside the aqueducts in the park are several ruins of villas that will be dealt with separately below. Secondly, the word 'park' is being particularly kind. The area is a mixture of scrubland with some trees, farmers' fields, allotments and a sizeable refuse tip. Do not expect park-like conditions. Be prepared to explore as there are few delineated paths and the area is not signed. Access to the park is simple. Take the metro line A as far as Lucio Sestio. When there, head down the Via Lucio Sestio until you see Via Lemonia on your left. Take that street and after a few yards cross into the parkland. If you miss the Via Lemonia there is no way in for several miles. Also, roughly 20% of the park to the southeast, on the other side of the Via delle Capannelle which neatly divides it, was completely fenced off during my last visit.

Note: Be prepared for this trip. Take water and take maps. It can be easy to get lost in the suburbs of Rome.

Lying alongside the Via delle Capannelle in an area of park that is sealed off (at 2007) are the remains of several villas. They can be seen from the road and tantalise with the sheer scale of the remains, but are sadly inaccessible at this time. Of these remains the most impressive is the villa of Septimius Bassus, which sprawls over a hill and covers and absolutely staggering area. It is truly the largest villa complex I have ever seen. The villa dates from the time of Antoninus Pius, and the main part (the residential area) dates from early in his reign, the public areas date from around 145 AD in the middle period of his rule, and a huge landscaped garden including a stadium, much like that of Domitian on the Palatine though smaller, was added towards the end of the reign. The owner of the villa is not confirmed but it is believed to be connected with Septimius Bassus, who was a prefect under Septimius Severus. This whole area of land has only recently been acquired by the state and it may be some time (if ever) before the ruins become accessible to the public.

Close to the entrance on the Via Lemonia lies the extensive but somewhat fragmentary remains of a large country villa. The visible remains that stand freely in parkland date from the 2nd century AD, with alterations in the 4th century. During my last visit, a large area was fenced off and undergoing excavation at the time. Of the remains, part consists of the thermal baths with a circular hall. The villa belonged (according to an inscription on a lead pipe) to Quintus Servilius Pudens. Near the ruins, next to the Aqua Felice, stands a huge water cistern on two storeys that was fed by the Aqua Marcia. This villa will be the first thing you see as you enter the park and you will walk past it to reach the aqueducts.