Cloaca Maxima, Rome

#834 among attractions in Rome

Ancient Roman architecture

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Facts and practical information

The Cloaca Maxima was one of the world's earliest sewage systems. Its name derives from Cloacina, a Roman goddess. Built during either the Roman Kingdom or early Roman Republic, it was constructed in Ancient Rome in order to drain local marshes and remove waste from the city. It carried effluent to the River Tiber, which ran beside the city. The sewer started at the Forum Augustum and ended at the Ponte Rotto and Ponte Palatino. It began as an open air canal, but it developed into a much larger sewer over the course of time. Agrippa renovated and reconstructed much of the sewer. This would not be the only development in the sewers. By the first century CE all eleven Roman aqueducts were connected to the sewer. After the Roman Empire fell the sewer still was used. By the 1800s it became a tourist attraction. Some parts of the sewer are still used today. Whilst still being used it was highly valued as a sacred symbol of Roman culture, and Roman engineering. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 41°53'45"N, 12°29'5"E

Address

MontiRome Italy

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Day trips

Cloaca Maxima – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Altare della Patria, Mamertine Prison, Trajan's Column, Trajan's Market.

~610 ftSW
White marble memorial monument
Altare della Patria, Rome
3 min walk • The Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, is a grand edifice that dominates Piazza Venezia in the heart of Rome, Italy. This colossal structure is an emblem of Italian national unity and a museum that pays homage to the...
~950 ftS
Museum, Historical place
Mamertine Prison, Rome
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, just steps from the Forum, lies the Mamertine Prison, a site steeped in ancient history and somber tales. This ancient prison, known in Italian as Carcere Mamertino, is one of the oldest in the world and has served as a silent witness...
~140 ftW
Roman triumphal column and public platform
Trajan's Column, Rome
1 min walk • Trajan's Column stands as a monumental tribute to the Roman Emperor Trajan and his military victories in the Dacian Wars. Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, this towering marble pillar reaches a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet), excluding its pedestal.
~330 ftE
Restored Roman city forum complex
Trajan's Market, Rome
2 min walk • Trajan's Market, nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, is a remarkable testament to ancient Roman engineering and commercial life. This sprawling complex, often considered the world's oldest shopping mall, was constructed between 100 and 110 AD during the reign of...
~520 ftSE
Museum, Archaeological museum
Imperial fora, Rome
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Imperial Fora stand as a monumental testament to the grandeur of ancient Roman civilization. These sprawling public squares, built between 46 BC and 113 AD, were the center of political, religious, and social life in the Roman Empire.
~790 ftSW
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, Rome
4 min walk • Perched atop the Capitoline Hill, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli stands as a serene testament to Rome's layered history. This beautiful church, which dates back to the 12th century, is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of art and history...
~900 ftSW
Church, Historical place, Architecture
Insula Romana, Rome
5 min walk • The Insula dell'Ara Coeli is one of the few surviving examples of an insula, the kind of apartment blocks where many Roman city dwellers resided.
~930 ftW
Vernacular architecture, Museum, Art museum
Museo nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia, Rome
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Museo Nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia is an emblematic cultural institution that offers a deep dive into the artistic and historical treasures of Italy. Housed in the stately Palazzo Venezia, a building with a storied past that dates...
~460 ftSW
Temple
Temple of Concord, Rome
3 min walk • The Temple of Concord, situated in the heart of ancient Rome, Italy, is a historic shrine that once epitomized Roman efforts to maintain harmony among its citizens. Although the original structure no longer stands in its complete form, the site remains a significant...
~490 ftS
Historical place
Foro di Cesare, Rome
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Foro di Cesare, or Forum of Caesar, stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome and its enduring legacy. This historical landmark, inaugurated in 46 BC by Julius Caesar himself, was the first of the Imperial forums...
~590 ftS
Church, Ancient Roman architecture
Basilica Argentaria, Rome
3 min walk • The Basilica Argentaria is a lesser-known yet historically significant site nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy. This ancient structure, whose roots date back to the Imperial era, was once a bustling center of commerce. Today, its remains offer a unique glimpse into...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Cloaca Maxima?

Nearby attractions include Trajan's Column, Rome (1 min walk), Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano Church, Rome (1 min walk), Santa Maria di Loreto, Rome (2 min walk), Trajan's Market, Rome (2 min walk).

How to get to Cloaca Maxima by public transport?

The nearest stations to Cloaca Maxima:

Bus

Fori Imperiali/Campidoglio • Lines: 118, 51, 85, 87 (2 min walk)
Magnanapoli • Lines: 117 (3 min walk)

Tram

Venezia • Lines: 8 (6 min walk)
Arenula/Min. G. Giustizia • Lines: 8 (15 min walk)

Metro

Cavour • Lines: B (12 min walk)
Colosseo • Lines: B (12 min walk)

Ferry

Isola Tiberina • Lines: Battelli di Roma (16 min walk)
Ponte Cavour (21 min walk)

Trolleybus

XX Settembre/Min. Finanze • Lines: 90 (24 min walk)
Volturno/Cernaia • Lines: 90 (25 min walk)

Train

Roma Termini (25 min walk)

Light rail

Roma Termini • Lines: Fl6, Fl7 (25 min walk)
Termini Laziali • Lines: Fc1 (29 min walk)