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Arab cistern-well of Silves

Category: Archaeology > Cistern

District: Faro > Silves > Silves > Centro Histórico

Location

The well-cistern is located in the Silves Municipal Archaeology Museum, in the historic center of the city, on Rua das Portas de Loulé.

Construction

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.

Dimensions

The well is about 2.45 meters in diameter and 18 meters deep, with a spiral staircase that descends to the bottom.

Access to water

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.

Spiral staircase

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.

Historical value

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.

Artifacts found

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.

Classification

The well-cistern was classified as a National Monument in 1990, due to its historical and archaeological importance.

Visit

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

Weather Silves  Weather Silves

Monday, 04
Broken clouds
21° | 30°
Broken clouds
Tuesday, 05
Few clouds
20° | 31°
Few clouds
Wednesday, 06
Clear sky
22° | 31°
Clear sky
Thursday, 07
Overcast clouds
22° | 34°
Overcast clouds
Friday, 08
Clear sky
20° | 35°
Clear sky

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