Aqueduct of the Convent of Bom Jesus de Valverde

Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct

District: Évora > Évora > Valverde

Location

The Aqueduct of the Convent of Bom Jesus de Valverde stands in the tranquil rural landscape of Valverde, a locality in the municipality of Évora. Its presence is prominent in this Alentejo countryside setting, approximately twelve kilometers from the city of Évora, being part of the vast Herdade da Mitra estate. It develops predominantly in a southeast-northwest direction, following the topography of the terrain and crossing part of the old Quinta do Paço de Valverde, a place with rich history and natural beauty.

A Testament to 18th-Century Engineering

This remarkable aqueduct, built from limestone ashlar and masonry, dates back to the 17th century. Erected around 1689, it represented an important innovation for the water supply to the Convent of Bom Jesus de Valverde. Along its approximately one-kilometer course, it features different construction typologies: there are underground sections, others that run above ground, and an impressive arcade zone of about 400 meters, composed of perfectly rounded arches. Some vents are visible, allowing access to its interior, revealing the complexity of its design. Its coat of arms, bearing witness to its authorship, refers to the time of Archbishop D. Frei Domingos de Gusmão.

The Vital Importance of Water

The construction of the aqueduct was motivated by the urgent need to ensure a quality water supply to the convent and the entire property, which included vast gardens and orchards. Water was a vital resource, and this hydraulic system was designed to capture and conduct water from various sources, culminating in the lake located to the west of the religious building. This engineering effort demonstrates the ingenuity and vision of its builders in ensuring the well-being and sustainability of a community at a time when water management was crucial for public health and development.

Heritage Value and Contemplation

The Aqueduct of the Convent of Bom Jesus de Valverde is today recognized as a Property of Public Interest, integrating a special protection zone that encompasses the entire estate and convent complex. Its presence in the landscape is not only a historical-cultural landmark but also an invitation to contemplation. The monumental arches are silhouetted against the Alentejo sky, offering a unique perspective on architecture and the way humans related to the environment and natural resources throughout the centuries. It is a place that provides a genuine connection with history and the tranquility of the countryside.

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