The Tiber

Northwest Italy's Apennine Mountains are the source of the Tiber River. Before draining into the Tyrrhenian Sea on Italy's west coast, it winds south over the heart of the peninsula, through Rome, and continues farther south where it joins the Aniene River.

Two different springs on Mount Fumaiolo, 1,268 miles above sea level, which drain water from a subterranean aquifer, are the river's source. The Tiber is the third-longest river in Italy with a length of 252 miles. Its basin is 6,709 square miles in size. The river's depth ranges from 7 to 20 feet. Rome is located around 15 miles inland from the Tiber River's mouth at the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Today, the river still provides Rome with fresh water, and there are many walking and biking trails along the riverbanks. Water has always been a strong connecting point for Romans for its cleansing and renewing properties. In fact, many Romans dive into the river as a New Year's Day tradition.

Location: Rome, Italy