Archaeological excavations at Bratislava’s historic Rusovce Manor have uncovered a remarkable Roman aqueduct dating back to the 2nd century CE. It is the first of its kind in Slovakia, providing new insight into the Roman-era infrastructure and settlement history of the area.
Rusovce Manor, a Neo-Gothic mansion from the 19th century, is built on the site of a 16th-century manor house. The area also has a rich history, as it was the location of Gerulata, an imperial Roman camp that formed part of the Danubian Limes—the Roman Empire’s frontier defense system. The manor house and its park are currently undergoing extensive restoration work. While excavating hard, an archaeological team from the Classical Archaeology Department of Trnava University led by Associate Professor Erik Hrnčiarik unearthed an ancient aqueduct beneath the manor grounds.
The 100-foot-long aqueduct was constructed using stone and Roman bricks known as tegulae. The system was built with a gentle incline in the construction to convey water to an ancient building, likely a soldiers’ bathhouse at Gerulata. While researchers have not pinpointed exactly where the bathhouse stood, historical markers suggest that it was built beneath the southern wing of the present manor. Regrettably, the original structure was destroyed during the construction of later medieval and modern buildings.
According to Associate Professor Hrnčiarik, “The state of preservation of the aqueduct is extraordinary. We have documented 38 meters of the aqueduct so far. Its preservation is extraordinary. Calculations indicate that the Romans used at least 51 tons of stone and over 80 tegulae. Some of the bricks bear manufacturers’ stamps, while others feature paw prints left by animals as they were left drying in the sun.” There are inscriptions on a few of the bricks, one of which is “C Val Const Kar.” This has been interpreted by experts as indicating the workshop of Gaius Valerius Constans who worked in Carnuntum (modern Austria). This means that the aqueduct was built during the 2nd century CE and functioned until the end of the century before being buried, thus preserved for nearly two thousand years.
Finding an aqueduct in a heritage protection zone, near structures listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, compels us to carefully consider its conservation. The Slovak Monuments Board, in collaboration with the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic, has decided to leave the aqueduct in its original location. A technical service building project near the site has been adjusted to ensure it does not disturb the old monument.
Apart from the aqueduct, archaeologists also discovered other items from different historical periods, including Roman ceramics—terra sigillata, which is high-end pottery imported from France and Germany—window glass, a silver armlet, and an ancient coin pouch. Remains of early medieval and Iron Age settlements were also unearthed at the location, further proving the long and rich history of Rusovce.
One of the most intriguing non-Roman artifacts at the site is a medieval kiln, which was initially used to produce bricks but was later repurposed for lime burning. “We believe the kiln was used to process marble statues and reliefs found in the abandoned Roman camp nearby,” said Tomáš Kolon, another archaeologist from the University of Trnava. A large underground circular structure, identified as an early modern icehouse, was also discovered. This feature, probably used by the Zichy family —who owned the manor in the 19th century— stored ice during winter for summer use to preserve food and chill beverages.
Excavation at Rusovce Manor is ongoing, and current work is focused on the area around the former servants’ quarters in the park. Once this phase is complete, archaeologists will resume work at the manor, carrying out further rescue excavations in the spring.
More information: University of Trnava
