LETTERE'S "ROMAN" AQUEDUCT

Behind Sant’ Anna Cathedral is a short but rather unique monument. Which may or may not date back to the period of time prior to Christ’s birth when wealthy Romans built their summer villas in Lettere on the slopes of the Lattari Mountains. It appears that the aqueduct is to a typical Roman-style aqueduct – much like those that dot the Italian countryside. A strong reminder of the power and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. However, there is no recorded history of when the Lettere aqueduct was built. Perhaps it was built by the wealthy Romans to supply water to the villas or perhaps by the Roman soldiers under the command of Lucius Cornelius Sulla to supply his fort where the Castle of Lettere now stands. It does not appear to have a beginning or an end. Perhaps it was built much later, during the domination of the area by the Dukes of Amalfi. The only true history of the aqueduct is found in the Codice Fattorosi, where it is noted that Cristoforo Fattorosi was responsible for building new aqueducts in Lettere. Unfortunately, the work could not be completed in his life, and Cristoforo’s nephew, Antonio Fattorosi, continued the building/restoration project of the aqueduct until it was completed in the 16^th century.