Clandras Water Aqueduct

Clandras Aqueduct, located within the boundaries of the Karahallı district of Uşak province, spans the Banaz Creek. It is estimated to date back to the Phrygian period, approximately 2,500 years ago. The structure draws attention for its architectural features and its harmonious integration with the natural environment.

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Although the Clandras Aqueduct is believed to have been constructed during the Phrygian period, it exhibits traces of Roman architectural influence. It lies along a 2,700-kilometer ancient road that originated in Sardis during the Lydian era, extended to Mesopotamia, and later expanded under the Persians as far as Persepolis, where it became known as the “Royal Road.” This underscores the region’s significance as a major transit route throughout history.

The aqueduct is situated within the Ulubey Canyon, immediately beside the Karahallı Hydroelectric Power Plant. The water discharged from the plant, falling from a height of 17 meters nearby, also contributes to the visual appeal of the site. The structure measures 24 meters in length, 17 meters in height, and 1.75 meters in width. Its two ends rest on the mid-levels of mountain rocks and were constructed using the corbeling technique over two main pillars known as “elephant feet.”

Clandras Aqueduct is a narrow, single-arch structure. The stone surfaces were worked with a chisel, and the large arch stones are tightly fitted together using a mortise-and-tenon system. The arch is shaped like a pulley. Although the arch largely retains its original form, recent repairs using concrete were necessary due to the displacement of one of the keystone blocks.

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The Clandras Aqueduct was constructed to channel spring waters from the east to the ancient city of Pepouza, located approximately 2.5 kilometers away. It is believed that Pepouza was an important center and that the aqueduct formed part of the infrastructure system supplying water to this settlement.

Today, the Clandras Aqueduct is located within the Clandras–Pepouza Ancient City Ecotourism Area and lies along a nature walking trail. The trail is 7,863 meters long. The region is also notable for its biological diversity. On the northern slopes, black pine grows alongside red pine and juniper in the southern areas, mixed with oak groves. The fauna is equally rich, providing habitat for mammals such as wild rabbit, badger, hedgehog, squirrel, and wild boar, as well as various bird and reptile species.

Today, the Clandras Aqueduct and its surroundings have become an important recreational area and ecotourism destination, valued for both its historical heritage and natural beauty. It is located 39 kilometers from the center of Uşak and 121 kilometers from the city center of Denizli. It is only 370 meters from the village road connecting Kavaklı–Karayakuplu.