Alcabideque Aqueduct

Category: Archaeology > Roman Aqueduct

District: Coimbra > Condeixa-a-Nova > Casal Novo

Location

The Alcabideque Aqueduct is located in the serene locality of Casal Novo, integrated into the municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova, in the district of Coimbra. Situated in a predominantly rural setting, surrounded by agricultural fields, the site offers a tranquil atmosphere and wide views over the surrounding landscape. This historical point marks the beginning of a journey that transports the visitor to the Roman past of the region.

A Legacy of Roman Engineering

This impressive vestige of Roman engineering dates back to the 1st century AD. Designed to supply water to the flourishing city of Conímbriga, the aqueduct was a central piece in the urban development of the time. Its primary function was to ensure the water supply, essential for daily life and for fundamental structures such as the city's large thermal baths. The complex encompasses the entire water catchment system that served the ancient Roman city.

Structure and Construction Technique

The structure of the aqueduct is remarkable for its intelligent design and the comprehensiveness of its system. Although most of its more than three kilometers of length is underground, an ingenious element for water transport, the system begins with the notable Castellum of Alcabideque. This was a rectangular intake tower that collected water from a strategically positioned dam. Currently, it is possible to observe some of its original arches, a visible testament to the sixteen that once elevated the aqueduct in its last 170 meters, demonstrating the advanced construction techniques of the Romans, evident in the type of masonry and the use of vaults in its construction.

Heritage Value and Toponymy

Recognized for its inestimable historical and cultural value, the Alcabideque Aqueduct, along with its Castellum, was classified as a National Monument in 1967, attesting to its importance for Portuguese heritage. The name "Alcabideque" itself carries a deep connection to its primary function; its Arabic origin, with the prefix 'al-', derives from the Latin expression "caput aquae," meaning "mother of water" or "water spring." This etymology underscores the vital importance of the water source that existed there for the supply of the ancient city of Conímbriga, revealing the site's perennial role as a water catchment point over the centuries.

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