Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct
District: Coimbra > Condeixa-a-Nova > Casal Novo
The site designated as the Roman Aqueduct of Conímbriga and Castle of Alcabideque is located in the picturesque town of Casal Novo, within the municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova, in the heart of the Coimbra district. This area is historically linked to the Roman presence, benefiting from its proximity to the important archaeological site of Conímbriga.
Its surroundings offer a glimpse into the Portuguese rural landscape, where the grandeur of ancient engineering harmoniously blends with the natural environment, inviting exploration and reflection on the vastness of time and the civilizations that flourished here.
The Roman aqueduct, an integral part of this complex, represents one of the most remarkable testaments to the advanced civil engineering developed during the Roman Empire. Its primary function was to ensure the supply of drinking water to the prosperous city of Conímbriga, a vital urban center in Roman Lusitania. This ingenious hydraulic system allowed for the collection and transport of water from its springs, located in the Alcabideque area (a name which, although sometimes associated with a "castle," actually refers to the area from which the water that nourished the Roman city originated) to the distribution points in the city.
The design and construction of this aqueduct demonstrate a profound knowledge of hydraulics and construction techniques, essential for maintaining urban life in antiquity. It is a lasting testimony to the Romans' ability to shape the landscape and natural resources to their needs, showcasing a monumentality that has endured through the centuries.
The aqueduct's architecture is characterized by robustness and functionality, distinctive features of Roman works. It is possible to observe sections of the structure that, through their arches and carefully laid masonry, reveal the construction methods used almost two millennia ago. Although not in its original complete state due to the passage of time and the action of the elements, the remaining parts of the aqueduct offer a tangible perspective of its scale and impact on the daily lives of Conímbriga's inhabitants.
Contemplating its remains allows one to imagine the water's route and the strategic importance this infrastructure held for the vitality of the Roman city, connecting the source to civilization through a corridor of stone and mortar that has defied the centuries.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueduto_romano_de_Conímbriga
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.10673500342893,-8.465073085149248
Coordinates DMS: 40°06'24.2"N 08°27'54.3"W
Weather Casal Novo
On-duty Pharmacy Casal Novo
