Category: Archaeology > Cistern
District: Faro > Silves > Silves > Centro Histórico
The well-cistern is located in the Silves Municipal Archaeology Museum, in the historic center of the city, on Rua das Portas de Loulé.
This structure was built in the 12th or 13th century, during the Islamic rule in Silves, and is a unique example of hydraulic engineering of that time.
The well is about 2.45 meters in diameter and 18 meters deep, with a spiral staircase that descends to the bottom.
The well is equipped with three windows at different heights, allowing access to water according to the filling levels, as well as improving air circulation.
The staircase, which surrounds the well, is a rare feature in Islamic cisterns. About 1.20 meters wide, it is one of the main particularities of this structure.
The well-cistern is of great importance for the study of the Islamic city of Silves, especially during the transition between the Christian conquests of 1189 and 1249.
During excavations, ceramic fragments from various periods were found, including imported pieces from Valencia, Seville, Italy, Holland, and China, as well as locally made pieces. This demonstrates the wealth and trade of Silves in medieval times.
The well-cistern was classified as a National Monument in 1990, due to its historical and archaeological importance.
The well is part of the exhibition of the Silves Municipal Archaeology Museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the history of Silves and the Islamic period.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museu_Municipal_de_Arqueologia_de_Silves
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.18898254510122,-8.438962679137974
Coordinates DMS: 37°11'20.3"N 08°26'20.3"W