An aqueduct is a structure for constant supply of water into a city and its people. They consist of underground water channels, water pipes, tunnels, and aqueduct bridges. Valens Aqueduct - approximately 920 meters long - is one of the aqueduct bridges of Valens Aqueduct System bringing water from Thrace to Constantinople (Byzantine Istanbul), approximately 240 kilometers far from Istanbul.
In 330 CE, Constantine I (Constantine the Great) declared Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire. Subsequently, the city’s population increased dramatically and the main need of the inhabitants was water. Therefore, the construction of the Valens Aqueduct started in 345 CE during the reign of Constantius II (337 - 361 CE). However, the construction of the aqueduct finished and started to function in 373 CE, during the reign of Valens I (364 - 378). This is the reason that the aqueduct is called Valens Aqueduct.
With the help of the Valens Aqueduct, clean water was provided to the baths and cisterns of Constantinople including the famous Underground Cistern (also called Sunken Palace). The aqueduct system was so important that the besiegers of Constantinople throughout its history would cut or destroy the Aqueduct of Valens first.
The easiest way to get there is to take M2 Metro and get off at Vezneciler metro station. Valens Aqueduct is only five minutes walk to the west from Vezneciler metro station.
Make sure to visit Vefa Boza Shop, approx. ten minutes walking distance from the aqueduct, to taste the delicious and traditional boza drink.