Palazzo dell’Acquedotto Pugliese – one of the most photographed buildings in Foggia

History and description

Built in 1926 to a design by engineer Cesare Vittorio Brunetti, the Palazzo dell’Acquedotto Pugliese in Foggia is one of the most significant examples of Liberty‑style public architecture in the city. The building was constructed in the context of the expansion of water services in Apulia, following the arrival of Sele water in Foggia in 1924, and symbolizes the city’s modernization in both urban and sanitary terms. The palace consists of two main wings, connected by an internal courtyard and arranged to form a triangular plan. It rises six stories high, plus a ground floor and a basement level, and is topped by a large communal terrace, enriched by two elegant concrete domes. Its façade, sober yet harmonious, is decorated with cement details and architectural curtains that reflect the Liberty taste of the early 20th century. Intended from the beginning to house the offices of the Apulian Aqueduct, the building has retained its institutional function over time and continues to serve as an administrative and architectural landmark in Foggia.

Curiosities

Although it cannot be visited inside today, the Palazzo dell’Acquedotto has always been one of the most photographed buildings in Foggia, thanks to its twin domes visible from Viale XXIV Maggio. It also symbolizes the city’s transition from a rural settlement to a modern urban center, a change celebrated in 1924 with a commemorative fountain near the railway station.

Access

The building cannot be visited internally, as it serves as an administrative headquarters, but it can be freely admired from the outside every day, as it faces busy public streets.

How to reach it

Located in a central position, between Via Scillitani, Via Isonzo, and Viale XXIV Maggio, the palace is easily accessible by car via the A14 Bologna–Taranto motorway towards Foggia, by train from the city’s railway station, by bus (lines 1 or 7), or on foot from the city center.

Majestic and rich in history, the Palazzo dell’Acquedotto is an unmissable stop for those who want to discover the modern face of 20th‑century Foggia.

Photo credits: Biagiofg (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0