In the shadow of Bratislava’s elegant Rusovce Manor, history has quite literally surfaced from beneath the ground. During restoration work at this magnificent Neo-Gothic estate, archaeologists have made a discovery that has sent ripples through the archaeological community—Slovakia’s first-ever Roman aqueduct, hidden for nearly two millennia beneath the manicured grounds.
A Hidden Treasure Beneath Noble Grounds
The Rusovce Manor, with its striking English Gothic Revival architecture dating to the 19th century, has long been known as a historical jewel. Built upon the foundations of a 16th-century manor house, the estate sits adjacent to Gerulata—an ancient Roman military outpost that once stood as a sentinel on the Empire’s frontier defense system, the “limes.”
For decades, this cultural heritage site languished in neglect, closed to the public and slowly deteriorating. Now, thanks to an ambitious 110 million euro restoration project funded by the Slovak government, the manor is not only being restored to its former glory but is also revealing secrets that have lain dormant for centuries.
“We always suspected there might be Roman artifacts in the area given the proximity to Gerulata, but finding an intact aqueduct was beyond our wildest expectations,” said Dr. Mária Kovačová, the restoration project director. “It’s like the ground itself wanted to tell us its story.”
Engineering Marvel Preserved in Time
The team from Trnava University’s Department of Classical Archaeology, led by Associate Professor Erik Hrnčiarik, has meticulously uncovered and documented nearly 100 feet (38 meters) of the ancient waterway. The aqueduct features a precisely engineered 13-inch water channel lined with tegulae—flat Roman tiles designed specifically for water management.
“The preservation is nothing short of extraordinary,” Professor Hrnčiarik explained while carefully brushing soil from an exposed section. “When you consider the scale of construction, it’s mind-boggling. Our calculations indicate the Romans used at least 51 tonnes of stone and more than 80 tegulae to build just this section.”
What makes this discovery particularly fascinating is the meticulous engineering. The aqueduct features a subtle but precise gradient that allowed water to flow naturally toward what is now the manor grounds, demonstrating the Romans’ advanced understanding of hydraulics and water management.
Signatures from the Past
Tracing the Aqueduct’s Origins
The archaeological team has uncovered more than just stones and tiles—they’ve found signatures from the past. Several tegulae bear manufacturers’ stamps, including one clearly marking “C VAL CONST KAR,” which researchers have traced to the workshops of Gaius Valerius Constans in Carnuntum (modern-day Austria).
“These stamps are like ancient receipts,” said Lucia Nováková, a specialist in Roman ceramics working on the project. “They tell us not only who made these materials but approximately when. Based on these markings, we can confidently date the aqueduct to the 2nd century AD, when Roman presence in this region was at its height.”
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Echoes of Ancient Life
In a touching reminder of the human and natural world that existed when this structure was built, several tiles bear the preserved paw prints of animals who wandered across the drying clay some 1,800 years ago. These small impressions create an intimate connection across the centuries, from the anonymous Roman craftsmen who noticed but left these marks, to the archaeologists who uncover them today.
“I was cleaning one of the tegulae when I noticed what looked like a cat’s paw print,” recounted student archaeologist Tomáš Horvath. “It was a powerful moment—suddenly, this wasn’t just an ancient artifact but evidence of everyday life. Someone’s pet walked across these tiles as they dried in the sun nearly two millennia ago.”
Preserving the Past for Future Generations
Recognizing the exceptional historical and cultural value of this discovery, Slovak authorities have already modified plans for a nearby technical service building that was to be part of the renovation project. The aqueduct will remain preserved in its original location, with plans to make it accessible to visitors once the manor reopens.
“This discovery transforms our understanding of Roman infrastructure in Slovakia,” said Dr. Ján Kováč from the Slovak National Heritage Office. “It’s not just about preserving stones and tiles—it’s about preserving knowledge, engineering techniques, and a connection to our shared European heritage.”
As restoration work continues at Rusovce Manor, archaeologists believe there may be more sections of the aqueduct yet to be discovered. Each new finding adds another piece to the complex historical puzzle of this site, which has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from Roman legionaries to Habsburg aristocrats.
“Water is the lifeblood of any civilization,” reflected Professor Hrnčiarik. “By understanding how the Romans managed this precious resource, we gain insight not only into their technical abilities but also into the values and priorities that shaped their society—lessons that remain relevant today.”
When Rusovce Manor finally reopens its doors to the public, visitors will experience not just the splendor of its 19th-century architecture, but also glimpse into a much more distant past—a testament to human ingenuity that has endured for nearly two thousand years beneath the soil of Slovakia.
