Category: Civil Architecture > Aqueduct
District: Santarém > Tomar > Carregueiros
The starting point of the Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ, known as the Cú-Alagado Spring, is framed within the rural landscape of the Santarém district, more precisely in the municipality of Tomar. It is located in the locality of Carregueiros, in a specific area designated as Fonte São Miguel. This location is characteristic of an area where water naturally emerges, nestled in a predominantly green and serene environment, typical of the valleys and elevations that feed the region's watercourses.
The natural surroundings of the spring are a testament to the importance of water in shaping the landscape and human settlement over the centuries. The site allows for the observation of the natural environment that enabled the creation of such a vital infrastructure, representing the initial point of a system that extends for kilometers, transporting an essential resource.
The Cú-Alagado Spring is not merely a geographical point, but the fundamental foundation of one of the most remarkable hydraulic engineering works of its time: the Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ. Its design aimed at capturing and directing pure waters to supply the imposing Convent of Christ, a pressing need for daily life and monastic activities. The engineering of that era, demonstrating a profound knowledge of the terrain and water resources, managed to harness this natural source to serve such a grand purpose.
At this location, water is collected and channeled through a meticulous system that marks the beginning of the infrastructure's long journey. Although the visible structure here may be more discreet than the imposing arcades seen in other sections of the route, its function is absolutely paramount. It represents the intelligence and expertise of the builders in ensuring a constant and reliable flow, guaranteeing the sustainability and prosperity of the conventual complex.
The area surrounding the Cú-Alagado Spring reflects the constant presence of water, with denser and more luxuriant vegetation, benefiting from the humidity and fertility of the soil. It is a place that allows for an understanding of the grand engineering work's dependence on a primary natural resource and how it was integrated into such an ambitious project.
The tranquility of the site, perhaps punctuated by the murmur of the water emerging or beginning its journey, offers a contrast to the magnitude of the more visible structures of the main system. This origin point highlights the intrinsic interconnection between nature and human intervention. The spring is not just a source of water, but a vital element that shaped history and enabled the existence and development of one of the most emblematic Portuguese monuments. This origin point provides a unique perspective on the genesis of the infrastructure and the appreciation of the region's natural resources.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.62748956933697, -8.459071486978305
Coordinates DMS: 39°37'39.0"N 08°27'32.7"W