It was built in the 19th century to provide Lucca with water from the mountains south of the city.
Its Neoclassical architecture design features a stone channel supported by more than 400 arches, stretching for over 3 kilometres (1.9 mi).
In the slopes of Monte di Vorno, a number of springs were conveyed through rocky channels to a domed circular stone temple-cistern (43°48′27″N 10°31′15″E / 43.80755°N 10.52072°E / 43.80755; 10.52072 (Cistern in Guamo)) located near San Quirico in the frazione of Guamo.
The final iron conduits allowed for expansion and contraction of the metal.
[2] The interruption of the aqueduct occurred when the autostrada was constructed by Benito Mussolini's government in 1928–1932.