The Lisbon Connection

The city of Lisbon has always suffered from the lack of drinking water. King João V (John V) decided to build an aqueduct in 1731 (Aqueduto das Águas Livres, ‘free waters’). The magnificent construction caused constant misunderstandings between the royal power, engineers, architects and municipal institutions; abusive clerical interference found its way into the fray. Their opinions diverged on several different points, ranging from the apparently simpler but important aspects of the efficacy and durability of the project (such as the choice of materials to be used for the water conduits – whether tiles, iron, clay or stone) to more basic conceptual principles, for there were several different solutions for the section of the aqueduct that spanned Lisbon’s long valley.

Today, what the Portuguese think of as the Lisbon Aqueduct is that gigantic set or arches spanning the Alcântara valley, ending at the reservoir of Amoreiras. Its source is known as Águas Livres (free waters) and is located in Caneças (some 18,5 km away). However, the aqueduct is in fact much more than this. It consists of a complex series of underground galleries, arches and skylights linked to the visible principal body, known as the General Aqueduct. These are scattered all over the city, giving rise to numerous fonts which, in times gone by, were important sources of water supply for the city. Altogether the old complex network constituting the aqueduct consisted of 58 km of water conduits, 109 arches, 137 skylights and 30 fountains. As such, it is considered unique, a remarkable example of 18th C. Portuguese engineering!

Aqueduct arches (65 m tall) over the Alcântara valley. (I took this picture in the train from Faro to Lisbon). The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km. Concluded in 1834 (although it began to supply water to Lisbon in 1748), displays visible Gothic influences in a period dominated by the Baroque style.

Aqueduct and commemorative arch in the Amoreiras neighbourhood. Video Museu da Água  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw7AuNb0oi0

Of the architects associated with the elaboration of this project, several stand out. The first is Manuel da Maia (1733), who was responsible for the general scheme and the definition of most of its ramifications and fonts. Also Custódio Vieira (1736), who supervised the construction of the arches over the Alcântara valley – the most spectacular and costly part of the project.

After the earthquake of 1755, Custódio Vieira was granted pardon for the profligacy for which he had been accused owing to the amount of iron he used to strengthen the arch’s structure, for, despite being located on a seismic faultline, it had resisted the quake.

Picture: Fajna Asia. This public walkway along the interior gallery, named Arches Walk, which once offered a wonderful panoramic view to pedestrians, has been closed since 1844 due to the large number of suicides and murders, including those committed by the famous bandit Diogo Alves. , the ‘Aqueduct serial killer’.

The ‘Free Waters Museum’, in charge of the aqueduct, organizes guided visits and tours on different dates and hours. Open from March 1st to Nov 30 between 10h and 18h, closed on Sundays and holydays.
Address: Calçada da Quintinha, 6, Lisboa. Metro: Rato Station (Museum): Campolide train station (Aqueduct).

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