Roman Aqueduct Monument

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Senhor da Veiga

Location:

Located on the Cividade Hill, the monument stands in a wide lawn that borders the remains of the ancient walls of Bracara Augusta. The surroundings combine wooded areas and open spaces, offering a unique perspective on the urban evolution of Braga since Roman times.

Situated in an informal leisure area, the monument benefits from a slightly elevated position, allowing contemplation of both the sequence of arches and the surrounding scenery, where historical structures and traces of the contemporary urban fabric can be perceived.

Origin and Significance

Also known as “Perpetual Movement,” this monument was inaugurated on June 24, 2000, by the Braga City Council to commemorate the bicentennial of the founding of Bracara Augusta. The choice of Cividade Hill is due to its archaeological significance, as it is where remains of Roman dwellings and infrastructures are concentrated.

Conceived by sculptor Pedro Cabrita Reis, the work aims to echo Roman hydraulic constructions, evoking the form of the aqueducts that supplied the city at the time, without resorting to literal copies, but rather reinterpreting them in a contemporary style.

Architectural Details

The ensemble, executed in concrete, features three perfect semicircular arches supported by three robust pillars. Each pillar integrates two columns, one circular and one rectangular, arranged asynchronously, conferring an unexpected visual rhythm.

The semi-rough surfaces of the concrete reveal the marks of the wooden formwork, emphasizing the materiality and tactile character of the work. The simple geometry of the arches contrasts with the subtle detail of the columns, creating a dialogue between solidity and lightness.

Surrounding Environment

The monument is set within a green space that invites quiet pauses, while the branches of nearby trees cast varied shadows on the arches. Natural light enhances the curves and edges of the concrete, making each visit a distinct visual experience throughout the day.

For those who appreciate photographic perspectives, the open position allows framing the monument against the sky or integrating it into the context of the ancient walls, reinforcing the contrast between the Roman past and the contemporary intervention.

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