Águas Livres aqueduct
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Águas Livres aqueduct - by Management




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).
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo