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Águas Livres aqueduct

6 Calçada da Quintinha, Lisboa, Lisboa

Description

The Águas Livres Aqueduct (can be translated as "Aqueduct of the Free Waters") was built in the mid-18th century to relieve Lisbon's recurring shortages of drinking water. The main course is 18km long and the Alcantara section in the northern part of the city is 65m tall in places with 35 arches spanning 941m. The network sourced water from the Carenque river valley, near Belas. This is not within the scope of this review, but the structure can be visited as part of the Water Museum.

Access & Transport

The monument is in north-western Lisbon, close to the Monsanto Forest Park. Western side: Bus 702 stops there and tram 24 only 250m away at 'Campolide'. Eastern side: buses 61B, 702 and 770 stop at 'Serafina', near the top of Rua dos Arcos.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity on the way between the Eduardo VII Park and the Monsanto Forest Park (there are several attractions there such as the Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira).

Meta review

Online reviews consistently describe the structure as very impressive and clearly worth a detour but also state that the paying visit (4€) does not really add anything. As such, it is best experienced from the "valley floor".

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral and part of the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The aqueduct is definitely worth a side trip for those with engineering interests or anybody planning to discover north and northwest Lisbon. Probably sufficient to watch it in passing rather than try to schedule a visit.

Key positive

Unexpected sight and very impressive

Key negative

No straightforward path across the IP7 (Norte-Sul expressway)

Suitability

No restrictions to see the structure but visits are probably not wheelchair accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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