(map) 
Nowadays you can’t get a plumber to fix something that might last 10 years if you’re lucky. And with what they charge…! Makes you wonder what the Roman plumbers charged.
“AH, I see. Sheesh! You know, you guys at Pontius Plumbing sure do charge a hefty denarius. Hmm.. at that rate however, I want the thermal bath complex to last… um, let’s see… two millennia. Then we’ve got a deal.”
Fine, maybe it didn’t go exactly like that, but it all still works! Granted you aren’t allowed to bath in it, but a quick stroll atop the natural terrace in Bagno Vignoni, just before entering the town, is still quite the experience. Channels with the thermal water still running through them, cascading from gathering tanks to basins below, working its way through the various water works to the valley below.
Tests recently conducted on the structural integrity of ancient pools (currently dry) reveal they’re rock solid, so it seems the archaeologists are thinking they might was well re-divert the water and fill them back up again.
All just as projected by those ancient plumbers…2000 years ago!
The views aren’t too shabby either.
– Contributed by GB (see bio), Editor, Italian Notebook.
Entertaining as always GB! The ancient Romans really knew how to move water.
Incredible! Will wonders never cease?
This is a fun article which was nicely written and very enjoyable. I was also please to see the excellent and numerous photos. Thank you !!
WOW!! What else can one say?
Funny and informative GB. Thanks for the pictures also. MY mom was born in Rome so anything Roman is fun for me.
Honestly, GB, when one studies or even views the ancient works like these one has to marvel at their skills, strength, and know-how. The only thing that I’ve seen that is somewhat similar are the underground storage tanks and man-made canals in Israel. Of course, given Massada, the builders of these things were probably also Romans. Wow. What a treasure-trove of sites and experiences we can now have through Italiannotebook. Thanks a lot. You struck a gold mine, I think. Stanley