Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct
District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Sé e São Pedro
The Aqueduto da Prata, also affectionately known as the Silver Water Aqueduct, is an imposing and inseparable presence in the landscape of Évora. Its monumentality becomes apparent long before entering the historic center, with its arches winding through the surrounding landscape, guiding the gaze of those approaching the city. Once inside the city walls, the aqueduct is not merely a barrier or a simple piece of infrastructure; on the contrary, it is uniquely integrated into the urban fabric. In several sections, houses and businesses have been built directly into its arches, creating a unique symbiosis between ancient engineering and the daily life that unfolds today under and between its arcades, making it a living and tangible part of Évora's urban fabric.
The construction of the Aqueduto da Prata began in 1531 and was completed six years later, in 1537, under the initiative of King John III. Its construction was a vital response to the pressing need for a potable water supply that Évora faced. This ingenious structure was designed to transport the clear waters from the Graça do Divor springs, located a considerable distance away, to the city's public and private fountains. Over the centuries, the aqueduct played an irreplaceable role in the lives of Évora's inhabitants, ensuring the prosperity and growth of Évora, one of the most important cities in the kingdom at the time. It is, therefore, a remarkable testament to the vision and planning capabilities of the Renaissance period.
The design of the Aqueduto da Prata is often attributed to Francisco de Arruda, one of the most prominent Portuguese architects of the 16th century, whose expertise is evident in the work's robustness and functional elegance. The structure is composed of an impressive succession of round arches, built mainly of granite masonry, which rise and adapt to the terrain's topography to maintain the constant gradient necessary for the water to flow. Its tallest and most visible sections are found outside the city walls, offering a grandiose perspective of its scale. Inside the city, despite blending with the urban architecture, its presence is equally striking, demonstrating the technical mastery and architectural innovation of the era, capable of combining functionality with a lasting aesthetic.
More than just a piece of infrastructure, the Aqueduto da Prata transcends its original function to become a symbol of human ingenuity and the resilience of Évora. Its longevity, spanning almost five centuries, underscores its historical, cultural, and heritage importance. Walking along its arches, both in rural areas and within the city, allows visitors a deep understanding of how life was organized and dependent on such engineering feats in the past. The aqueduct is not just a monument to be observed; it is a structure that invites reflection on the interaction between humanity and the environment, the adaptation to needs, and the ability to create works that endure through time, remaining one of the most distinctive and memorable images of Évora.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueduto_da_Água_de_Prata
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.575799594082135,-7.91263275872653
Coordinates DMS: 38°34'32.9"N 07°54'45.5"W
Weather Évora
On-duty Pharmacy Évora
