Aqueduto das Águas Livres/Mãe d'Agua das Amoreiras
The enormous Guas Livres aqueduct, one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks, began supplying the Portuguese capital with fresh water in 1748, piped from a spring located to the north of the city. The section spanning the Alcntara valley is the most impressive section of this remarkable 18th-century water system, and it was previously closed to the public. However, it is now possible to walk the entire length of the aqueduct by simply arriving at the entrance, and the experience is quite enlightening.
In reality, what you see is only a small portion of the main 19-kilometer pipeline. Its total length, including tributaries, is astounding: 58 kilometers. The aqueduct's construction is based on the principle of gravity: water would flow unheeded at a constant rate, and the gently sloping design allowed it to be delivered to Lisbon quickly and efficiently. The eye-catcher is the imposing central section. The 35 arches that span the valley rise up to 65 meters above the city. The aqueduct's design signature is a testament to the Italian architect Antonio Canevari and later, Custódio José Vieira and Manuel da Maia, both Portuguese, who were all commissioned by King Joo V.
The valuable liquid commodity would have been collected at Me d'Agua das Amoreiras, a water reservoir in Lisbon's Amoreiras district that can also be visited separately. This solid, bunker-like stone building, replete with Gothic flourishes, was completed in 1745 and resembles a grotto. Water floods the lower levels of the cistern, but above, the vaulted ceiling sprouts from the surface-rising pillars. The gallery is now used as a cultural venue, hosting art exhibitions and music concerts on a regular basis. The roof affords fine views across the city.
Address: Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisboa, Portugal
Timings: 10AM - 1:30PM (Closed Monday)
Phone: +351 21 810 0215
Google rating: 4.6/5
Website: http://www.epal.pt/
