Aqueduct of Caleiros

Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Esperança e Brunhais > Sequeiros

Location

The Aqueduto dos Caleiros (Caleiros Aqueduct) stands in the area of Sequeiros, part of the parish of Esperança e Brunhais, in the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso. It is immersed in a tranquil rural environment, where it stands out for its robust presence in the landscape. The surrounding area invites contemplation of the serenity of the Minho countryside, offering a glimpse into the life and traditional constructions of the region.

An 18th-Century Legacy

Likely dating from the 18th century, the Aqueduto dos Caleiros played a vital role for the local community. Its purpose was to channel water from the higher elevations of the mountain to the cultivation areas, ensuring the irrigation of agricultural fields, supplying water for animals, and for use in domestic activities. This hydraulic engineering feat was, therefore, a central piece in the development of rural life at the time, sustaining the basic needs of the populations.

Construction Ingenuity

The construction of the Aqueduto dos Caleiros reveals remarkable ingenuity and impressive robustness. It was built entirely with large granite blocks, without the use of mortar, demonstrating the skill of its builders. Its design, which evokes the models of ancient Roman aqueducts, combines functionality and durability. The water channel rests on a series of pillars, and the structure is visible for an estimated length of about 153 meters. In 2007, its uniqueness was recognized with its classification as a Property of Municipal Interest.

A Testament to Minho Rural Life

More than a simple water transport infrastructure, the Aqueduto dos Caleiros is considered a magnificent example of popular Minho architecture. It constitutes a tangible link to the past, representing the collective memory and the know-how of the ancestors who shaped the landscape and daily life of the region. Observing this aqueduct is to understand a significant part of local history and the practical intelligence of the Minho rural communities.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt