Lisbon Aqueduct
The Lisbon Aqueduct, is locally known as the Águas Livres Aqueduct.
The Lisbon Aqueduct was built in the 18th century and stretches for about 58 kilometers, delivering water from various sources along the way to the city.
The Aqueduct Arch is particularly famous for its architectural design, consisting of 35 lofty arches reaching a height of around 65 meters. The Aqueduct became an important symbol of Lisbon's engineering heritage and was a remarkable feat of 18th-century engineering.
The aqueduct was designed by Portuguese architect and engineer Manuel da Maia and later expanded by his successor Custódio Vieira. The purpose of the aqueduct was to bring water from the Caneças and Carenque sources to supply Lisbon with fresh water, helping to address the then water scarcity issues in the city. It’s only since the 1960’s that the city stopped using this wonderful Aqueduct to bring water to the citizens of Lisbon.
One of the Lisbon Aqueduct most iconic features is the massive stone arches that span the Alcântara valley, known as the "Aqueduct Arch" or "Aqueduct of the Free Waters." It’s where these arches are located that you can visit the Aqueduct and walk across the valley, taking in the magnificent views in the distance.
The best way to get to the Aqueduct is by Uber or Bolt, it’s not far from the city centre and well worth the trip. There is also a small interpretive centre here.
