Amoreira Aqueduct

Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro da Belhó

Location

The Amoreira Aqueduct rises in the city of Elvas, extending through various areas, including the Belhó neighborhood. Its presence is a constant in the local landscape, standing out on the Alentejo plain with its imposing arches. The grandeur of this structure is notable for anyone observing the city of Elvas, marking the transition between the urban environment and the surrounding valleys.

This remarkable monument is part of the "Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications" ensemble, a site classified as UNESCO World Heritage since 2012, a recognition that underlines its exceptional universal value. Its position offers a unique perspective on the ingenious adaptation of architecture to the local geography.

A Historical Engineering Feat

The construction of the Amoreira Aqueduct resulted from a crucial need for the population of Elvas: the lack of potable water. Since the 15th century, the supply was deficient, especially in times of conflict, when external wells became inaccessible. In 1498, the municipality requested a solution from King D. Manuel I, which materialized in the creation of a specific tax, the "Real de Água" (Water Royal), intended to finance this vast undertaking.

The work, initiated in 1537, extended for decades due to its scale and financial and technical challenges. Different renowned masters and architects, such as Francisco de Arruda (who also contributed to the Belém Tower) and Afonso Álvares, directed the works. It was only in 1622 that the aqueduct's waters began to flow into the fountains within the city walls, marking a new era of progress for Elvas.

Imposing Architectural Structure

The Amoreira Aqueduct is an engineering work of admirable proportions, extending for about 8.5 kilometers. Its structure is composed of different sections: underground stretches at the springs, others at ground level, and an impressive succession of elevated arcades reaching over 30 meters in height at certain points. In total, the aqueduct is supported by hundreds of arches.

The most emblematic section is the main part, where the arches overlap up to four levels, a rare and grandiose architectural sight. The perfect round arches, resting on robust pillars and reinforced by buttresses, demonstrate the constructive expertise of the era. Built from stone masonry and solid brick, the aqueduct also includes shields with municipal coats of arms, in marble or tile, elements that add cultural details to this functional and monumental structure.

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