Cimo de Vila Aqueduct

Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct

District: Porto > Paredes > Besteiros > Cimo de Vila

Location

The Cimo de Vila Aqueduct is located in the area of the same name, Cimo de Vila, in the locality of Besteiros, which belongs to the municipality of Paredes. This structure is integrated into an environment where human presence harmoniously intersects with the natural landscape, making it a visible landmark in the local scenery.

A Legacy of Water

Dating from the first quarter of the 19th century, the Cimo de Vila Aqueduct, popularly known as Calões, is a testament to the importance of water management throughout local history. Classified as a Monument of Municipal Interest, it stands out in the municipality of Paredes for its singular characteristics and dimensions, representing a notable example of water architecture from that era.

Engineering and Construction

This aqueduct constitutes a remarkable feat of engineering for its time, featuring an elevated and unusual structure. It is formed by a channel excavated from robust granite blocks, which were carefully positioned horizontally and supported by vertical pillars. Over approximately five hundred meters, this construction served to conduct water from two springs to the tanks that supplied the residential center of Besteiros.

The Tanks and Surrounding Landscape

Adjacent to the aqueduct, the tanks played a central role in community life. One of them, in particular, features a carved stone detail with two gargoyles and integrated benches. This element suggests that the space functioned not only as a water source but also as a place for gathering and, possibly, a water feature that contributed to the beauty of the location. The aqueduct and its surroundings symbolize the roots and identity of a community, set within a landscape that reflects the interaction between nature and human intervention over time.

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