Patriarchal Reservoir

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Misericórdia

Location

The Patriarcal Reservoir is located in the heart of Lisbon, deeply rooted beneath Praça do Príncipe Real. This square, one of the city's most emblematic, offers a vibrant urban environment. The reservoir's subterranean location is subtly marked on the surface by the octagonal shape of the lake in the garden, which replicates its interior design.

A Historic Engineering Work

Completed in 1864, the Patriarcal Reservoir was a fundamental landmark in the distribution of water to the Portuguese capital. Designed in 1856 by the French engineer Louis-Charles Mary, this reservoir was one of the first in the supply network serving the inhabitants of Lisbon. Initially, it received water from the famous Águas Livres Aqueduct and, from 1890, it was also supplied by water from the Alviela Aqueduct, demonstrating its central importance in the city's water system over time. Its active service extended until the mid-20th century, being decommissioned in 1949.

Architectural Style and Structure

The Patriarcal Reservoir is notable for its architecture and the atmosphere it creates. Its octagonal shape is a distinctive feature, echoing the lake on the surface. Inside, a majestic stone chamber reveals thirty-one pillars, each over nine metres high, supporting a complex network of ashlar arches and vaults. This structure gives the space a sense of imposing grandeur, transforming a former infrastructure facility into a remarkable work of civil and artistic engineering. Its restoration was recognized with the "Eugénio dos Santos" Municipal Architecture Prize in 1995.

A Transformed Cultural Space

Currently, the Patriarcal Reservoir is part of the Water Museum, serving as one of its important nuclei. This historic site has been adapted to host various cultural initiatives, benefiting from its uniqueness and the unusual environment it provides. It is a regular venue for performances, as well as painting, sculpture, and photography exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its architectural beauty while appreciating varied artistic manifestations.

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