Cistern

Category: Archaeology > Cistern

District: Faro > Vila Real de Santo António > Vila Nova de Cacela > Cacela Velha

Location

The Cistern is located in the heart of picturesque Cacela Velha, a small and historic village in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António. It is situated in a welcoming square, a central space that invites a moment of pause and observation, revealing a little of the village's tranquil and timeless atmosphere. Its position offers a discreet but significant point of reference in the local urban landscape.

Origin and Historical Significance

This notable hydraulic element, essential for the community's life in the past, was likely built after the devastating earthquake of 1755. Its construction represented a landmark of recovery and resilience, ensuring the water supply for the population of Cacela Velha for centuries. The Cistern is a silent testament to the capacity for adaptation and the importance of water resource management for the daily survival of the local people.

A Distinctive Feature

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Cistern is the presence of a manual wheel pump. This mechanism, once used to draw the stored water, offers an interesting perspective on the techniques and tools employed in daily life at the time. The pump, a remnant of its original purpose, invites one to imagine life in Cacela Velha in bygone times and to understand its practical and symbolic importance for the community.

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