Restoration under the Severes 193–235 ap. J.-C. (≈ 214)
Work on the aqueduct during this dynasty.
25 mars 2005
MH classification
MH classification 25 mars 2005 (≈ 2005)
Registration as a historical monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The rectilinear part of the tunnel, the main vestige of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct of Carhaix, beginning at the hamlet of Kervoaguel at Le Moustoir and ending 300 metres west of the hamlet of Trougaou at Paule, including the tunnel itself, the land above, and a strip of land (soil and basement) of 10 metres on either side of it (see Box II). The Moustoir ZI 4, 9, 17, 20 to 22; ZH 73, 75 to 77; municipal roads No 2, No 13, No 16; Paule ZC 2) : registration by order of 25 March 2005
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any named historical actor.
Origin and history
The Kervoaguel tunnel is part of the Roman aqueduct of Carhaix-Plouguer, designed to supply water with Vorgium (today Carhaix), capital of the Osisms and only town of Armorique with such a structure. The 0.9 km long tunnel avoided a 7 km detour through Trougaou Hill, thanks to an ingenious route including a 180 m hairpin. The low average slope (0.27 m/km) testifies to the technical accuracy of Roman engineers.
Restorations were undertaken during the Severus dynasty (193–235 A.D.), a period marked by imperial infrastructure maintenance. It was finally abandoned at the beginning of the fourth century, probably due to political or economic changes affecting the region. Its route, known for 27 km from the Black Mountains, illustrates the extent of the Gallo-Roman hydraulic networks in Brittany.
The tunnel, the main surviving vestige, has been protected as historical monuments since 2005. The classified area includes the subterranean itself, the overlying land and a band of 10 m on both sides, covering the communes of Moustoir and Paule (Côtes d'Armor). This archaeological site offers a rare testimony of the Roman techniques of water supply in Armorica, then on the margins of the Empire.
In the Gallo-Roman era, Vorgium played a central role as an administrative and religious city for the Osism people. The lake, a symbol of romanization, supplied the city with potable water and probably fed public baths or fountains. Its abandonment coincided with the decline of urban structures in Brittany in the Lower Empire, marked by political crises and invasions.
Today, the Kervoaguel tunnel remains a remarkable example of ancient engineering in Brittany, where Roman remains are relatively rare. Its protection aims to preserve this underground heritage, vulnerable to collapse and erosion, while allowing its study by archaeologists. The site is not open to the public, but its history is documented by heritage services.
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