Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct
District: Lisboa > Amadora > Amadora > Porcalhota
The Águas Livres Aqueduct, in its extension covering the municipality of Amadora, is an imposing presence that spreads across several of its parishes, namely São Brás, Brandoa, Falagueira, Reboleira, Venda Nova, Damaia, and Buraca. Its monumental structure punctuates the urban and semi-urban landscape, being particularly visible in areas such as Porcalhota, located within the town of Amadora.
When traversing these areas, visitors encounter arches and sections of this remarkable engineering work, which integrates uniquely into the daily lives of the populations. The aqueduct's presence, in many places, defines the view itself and the local landscape identity, creating a fascinating contrast between historical architecture and the city's contemporary development.
This Águas Livres Aqueduct system represents one of the most extraordinary civil engineering achievements of the 18th century in Portugal. Built during the reign of D. João V, its fundamental purpose was to ensure the supply of potable water to the city of Lisbon, overcoming geographical and supply challenges prevalent at the time. Its vast extension and the complexity of its construction reveal technical knowledge and execution capacity unparalleled for the period.
Its affluents and correlated structures, extending through Amadora's parishes, are integral parts of this vital network, composed of underground galleries, conduits, dams, and other capture and distribution structures. These sections, although sometimes less visible than the imposing arches, are equally crucial for understanding the monumentality and functionality of the entire complex.
The architecture of the Águas Livres Aqueduct is characterized by its robustness and grandeur. The sections crossing the municipality of Amadora display arches made of ashlar stone, testifying to the durability of the materials and the mastery of the builders. The uniformity and solidity of these structures are a testament to the technical capacity of the era, designed to withstand time and the elements.
Each arch and pillar was carefully dimensioned to support the weight of the water conduit and the pressure exerted by the flow. This architectural impressiveness is not only functional but also aesthetic, lending the aqueduct a striking presence and symbolic value as a link between nature, engineering, and urbanization. Its scale in relation to the surrounding environment is truly remarkable.
Beyond its historical importance and impressive architecture, the Águas Livres Aqueduct and its associated elements in the municipality of Amadora possess undeniable cultural and scenic value. Its presence in the urban fabric not only evokes the region's past but also offers unique perspectives and visual angles that enrich the local landscape.
Walking near its arches or observing its path through the different parishes allows for an immersion in the history and evolution of the territory. It is a landmark that invites reflection on humanity's capacity to transform the environment and to create public utility works that endure through centuries, remaining as benchmarks of engineering and culture.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueduto_das_Águas_Livres
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.75632199803325,-9.226586408829053
Coordinates DMS: 38°45'22.8"N 09°13'35.7"W
Weather Amadora
On-duty Pharmacy Amadora
