Serra do Pilar Aqueduct

Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Vila Nova de Gaia > Serra do Pilar

Location:

Located in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Serra do Pilar Aqueduct, also known as the Sardão Aqueduct, is integrated into the urban fabric. Its structure adapts remarkably to the terrain's gradients, extending across an area that combines streets with garden spaces, marking the local landscape.

Along its course, interaction with the built environment is observed, notably its passage over a national road, revealing its integration into the city's daily life. Its presence is a testament to Gaia's urban evolution, remaining a distinctive element in the area.

History and Legacy:

The construction of this aqueduct dates back to the late 18th century, specifically to the year 1770. Its construction was a private initiative of José Bento Leitão, the maternal grandfather of the illustrious writer Almeida Garrett. The main purpose of the aqueduct was to transport water to the grand Quinta do Sardão, owned by José Bento Leitão, in Oliveira do Douro, Gaia.

Over the centuries, the aqueduct consolidated its importance, becoming a true historical-cultural landmark and considered the "ex-libris" of the parish of Oliveira do Douro. Its history is linked not only to water supply but also to the lives of prominent figures of Gaia's society at the time, remaining a visible link to the region's past.

Structure and Materials:

The Serra do Pilar Aqueduct is an imposing masonry structure, characterized by the predominance of granite. Its arcade, composed of twenty-three semi-circular arches of great span, stands out, with their ashlar voussoirs conferring robustness and beauty to the ensemble. These arches rest on tall pillars, whose heights vary to adapt to the natural topography of the site.

Its robust design and the quality of the materials used, especially granite, attest to the engineering of the era. At the top of the structure runs the channel through which water was transported, protected by a cover. A section of the aqueduct has been adapted with a concrete beam to allow for a roadway, an example of its coexistence with modernity.

A Lasting Symbol:

Classified as an Immovable of Public Interest since 1946, the Serra do Pilar Aqueduct remains a significant heritage in the landscape of Vila Nova de Gaia. Its monumentality and the beauty of its masterfully constructed arches and pillars offer a picturesque image and a point of interest for those exploring the city.

This aqueduct is more than an ancient hydraulic infrastructure; it is a testament to local history and the constructive capacity of its ancestors. It invites observation of its architecture and reflection on its original function, while enjoying an element that enriches Gaia's urban identity.

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