Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Campolide
This remarkable hydraulic complex extends across a significant part of the municipality of Lisbon, crossing several parishes. Its presence is particularly imposing in the Campolide area, where its monumental arches rise, visible throughout the urban landscape of Lisbon. The aqueduct winds through valleys and elevations, connecting the water sources to one of the city's main reservoirs, profoundly marking the urban environment it traverses.
The construction of this colossal aqueduct began in the 18th century, around 1731, during the reign of D. João V, with the primary purpose of ensuring the supply of potable water to the city of Lisbon. The need for an effective water transport system was pressing, and this undertaking represented a cutting-edge engineering solution for its time. Its resilience was remarkable, as it withstood the great earthquake of 1755, remaining operational and playing a crucial role in the city's recovery after the catastrophe. Its operation extended for more than a century, demonstrating its vital importance to the Portuguese capital.
The Aqueduto das Águas Livres is a remarkable testament to the architecture and engineering of the Baroque period. It is characterized by its imposing stone arches, some reaching considerable heights, such as those in the Alcântara valley, which stand out for their monumentality and the perfection of their construction. The main structure is composed of over a hundred arches, with the central arch, or "Arco Grande", being particularly impressive.
The system integrated a complex set of underground galleries and tributaries that collected water from various springs, leading it to the Mãe de Água das Amoreiras, a central reservoir that served as a distribution point for the city. The solidity and precision of its design allowed it to withstand time and earthquakes, remaining one of the largest stone aqueducts in the world.
More than a mere infrastructure, the Aqueduto das Águas Livres is an indelible landmark in the landscape and history of Lisbon. It represents the grandeur and vision of an era, being a symbol of engineering capability and concern for public well-being. Its imposing presence offers unique views of the city, inviting contemplation of its scale and urban setting.
It is an element that connects the past to the present, evoking the history of water supply and the evolution of Lisbon, while providing a scenic and distinct backdrop for those who observe it closely. Its magnificence evokes an era of great ambition and achievement, remaining as an enduring testament to 18th-century engineering and art.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.72935508054069,-9.169828401625955
Coordinates DMS: 38°43'45.7"N 09°10'11.4"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
