An engineering wonder in the heart of Lisbon bears witness to both the city’s historical obstacles and its perseverance in conquering them. The spectacular Águas Livres Aqueduct, which winds over the terrain, was created in response to the 18th-century need for a stable water supply.
Consider this: a massive aqueduct that stretches 19 km from Caneças to the Casa de Água reservoir in Amoreiras. Its 14 arches, the greatest of which soars to a stunning 65 metres, cross the Alcântara Valley, making it the world’s highest ancient structure.
Lisbon’s water problems have a long history. Whether it was the complex Roman plumbing or the wells and public pools of mediaeval Alfama, the city had dry times where water would not flow. The Age of Discovery brought marine victories and an expanding population, pushing the city beyond the reach of traditional water supplies. The majestic structures perched atop Bairro Alto’s steep elevation added to the difficulty of water delivery.
Proposals for hydraulic improvements and fountain repairs appeared as the city faced a worsening dilemma. Nonetheless, the circumstance necessitated a more drastic remedy. Cláudio Gurgel do Amaral, the municipal prosecutor, wrote a letter to King Joo V, noting the severe water deficit in western Lisbon. Responding to the urgency, on May 12, 1731, the monarch granted permission to pipe water from the Guas Livres stream, kicking off the building of the Guas Livres Aqueduct.
After overcoming several obstacles, such as the catastrophic 1755 earthquake, the aqueduct was finished in 1799. Today, it is not only an important part of Lisbon’s history, but also a mesmerising tourist attraction. Visitors may travel along its heights, soaking in stunning city views on each side. The Guas Livres Aqueduct invites visitors to marvel at its distinctive architecture and reflect on the city’s triumph against hardship.
Today, the aqueduct is one of Lisbon’s best-value tourist attractions, and tourists can admire this one-of-a-kind structure by strolling along its heights and taking in the stunning city views over both sides.
