High Spout (Aqueduct)

Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Quinta de São José

Location

The Cano Alto (Aqueduct) is serenely situated at the Quinta de São José, on the outskirts of the historic city of Évora, in the heart of Alentejo. This location confers upon it an atmosphere of bucolic tranquility, nestled within a landscape that invites the observation of historical engineering in communion with the surrounding nature.

Its position, slightly removed from the urban center, allows for a different perspective on Évora's rich heritage, away from the city's hustle and bustle, in a setting where the grandeur of human works integrates into the serenity of the Alentejo countryside.

History and Purpose

The structure of the Cano Alto (Aqueduct) is a testament to human ingenuity in shaping the landscape for its most fundamental needs. As an integral part of an ancient hydraulic system, its primary function was to ensure the water supply to specific areas, vital for daily life and the development of the community over the centuries.

The construction of aqueducts in the Évora region dates back to remote times, demonstrating a continuous concern with the efficient management of water resources and the sustainability of settlements. The Cano Alto, in its essence, represents the ingenuity applied to solving a primary challenge: water distribution.

Architecture and Engineering

From an architectural point of view, the Cano Alto (Aqueduct) exemplifies the robustness and intelligence of the engineering of its time. Its construction is based on principles of sustainability and durability, utilizing materials such as local stone and, eventually, brick, arranged to create a solid and functional structure.

Observing its lines and the way it rises allows for an understanding of the technical complexity involved in conveying water through different terrain levels, a remarkable feat for the era of its construction. Its design demonstrates a profound knowledge of hydraulics and civil engineering, adapted to the topographical characteristics of the site.

Heritage and Scenic Value

The Cano Alto (Aqueduct) possesses significant heritage value, representing an important piece of Évora's historical infrastructure. Its presence on the land not only evokes past times of water engineering but also offers a distinct visual element in the Alentejo landscape.

Its imposing form, extending harmoniously, allows for a unique perspective on the interaction between human work and the surrounding natural environment, inviting contemplation of its historical relevance and its scenic setting. Its simplicity and grandeur are an invitation to reflect on the legacy of past generations.

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