The path of the Leopoldine Aqueduct

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At the sources of the Leopoldino Aqueduct

Discovering a monumental aqueduct immersed in nature

At the sources of the Leopoldino Aqueduct

Discovering a monumental aqueduct immersed in nature

An easy route of only 5.9 km through CAI trails 199, 125, 125P, and 119

The Leopoldine Aqueduct, a grandiose work for its time, was built between the end of the 18th century and the first decades of the 19th century and is now a protected monument of SABAP PI LI. The excursion allows you to visit the most beautiful and significant parts located at the sources of the Camorra stream west of the village of Colognole. The starting point is located near a parking area facing the abandoned quarry of Fociarella on the SP5 between Colognole and Valle Benedetta.

We start by following CAI 199, always keeping to the right at the various intersections. The path is a rocky road that gradually becomes slightly steep in several points where attention is required. At km 1.6, we reach a small ford over the Camorra stream next to an ancient mill. Continuing uphill, we arrive after one kilometer on the SP5A. At this point, you can decide whether to visit the village of Colognole nearby or immediately turn right onto CAI 125. The path, wide and well passable, runs parallel to the provincial road and slightly uphill. When we reach a forestry barrier, we continue downhill on a comfortable dirt road until we take a left onto 125P, which will lead us to a large clearing where we can admire the 18th-century huts where the Major Pools springs are located. We descend carefully walking above the aqueduct canal, which joins the branch coming from the upper sources of the Terrazza after a few tens of meters.

We then arrive at a beautiful amphitheater of small temples, canals, stairs, and stone junctions surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, representing the most iconic part of this structure.

After passing a gate near a fountain, we continue downhill, leaving on the right some partly restored ancient mills, until we intersect with the 199 trail that we took on the way here. We then turn left, cross the small ford seen before, and retrace the uphill path on the 199 until we reach the endpoint.

Starting point	Area parcheggio “Fociarella”
Difficulty	E
Km	5,9 km – Sentieri CAI: 199>125>125P>119
Altitude difference	270 mt
Duration	2h 15’
CAI guide	Importante leggere