Aqueduct of the Free Waters

The Aqueduct of the Free Waters, a majestic work representative of the engineering capabilities of the 18th century, stands as a silent witness to the history of Lisbon. Its construction, started in 1731 by decree of King John V, represents an ambitious and successful attempt to solve the city’s water supply problems, which at the time suffered from a chronic shortage of drinking water. Financed through a tax on consumer goods such as meat, wine, and olive oil, the aqueduct was designed to exploit the natural springs located northwest of Lisbon. The idea of building an aqueduct to bring water to Lisbon was initially proposed by the Procurador da Cidade, who in 1728 put forward the proposal of a special tax to raise the necessary funds. The project saw the collaboration of prominent figures of the time, including the Italian Antonio Canevari, the German Johann Friedrich Ludwig, and the Portuguese Manuel da Maia. Although Canevari had initiated the project, it was Manuel da Maia who carried out the work, defining its route and technical characteristics. The aqueduct extends for about 58 kilometers, from the water collection point in Belas to the various distribution points in the city. Its most iconic stretch is undoubtedly the one that crosses the Alcântara valley, where a sequence of 35 monumental arches rises majestically up to 65 meters in height. This segment, known as the Arco Grande, is a symbol of resistance and beauty, having even withstood the devastating earthquake of 1755 that destroyed much of Lisbon. The construction of the aqueduct was not without difficulties and controversies. In 1744, after the death of Custódio Vieira, the direction of the works passed to Carlos Mardel, a Hungarian architect who had to make crucial decisions for the completion of the work. Among these, the choice of the location of the main reservoir, the Mãe d’Água. Originally planned near São Pedro de Alcântara, its construction was moved to Amoreiras, a decision that sparked debates but proved strategic for water distribution in the city. The Mãe d’Água reservoir, completed in 1834, is an engineering masterpiece in itself. With a capacity of 5,500 cubic meters, it served as the main collection and distribution point for the entire city network. Today, this space has been transformed into a museum, where visitors can explore the history of Lisbon’s water system and admire the panoramic view from its roof. The aqueduct remained operational until the 1960s, when it was gradually replaced by more modern infrastructure. However, its presence continues to mark the urban landscape of Lisbon, not only as a historic monument but also as a symbol of a city that has been able to face and overcome the challenges of its time. From an architectural point of view, the Aqueduct of the Free Waters is a magnificent example of Baroque and Neoclassicism, a blend of styles that reflects the era of its construction. Its elegant and powerful arches, made with geometric precision, give the entire structure a timeless grandeur. Each arch is a testament to the skill of the engineers and craftsmen of the time, capable of creating a work that is not only functional but also aesthetically impressive. Among the historical anecdotes, it is worth mentioning that the aqueduct was the scene of curious and tragic episodes. During the 19th century, it was used by criminals as a hiding place and escape route, as its extension allowed them to cross the city without being seen. The most famous of these was Diogo Alves, a bandit who used the structure to rob and sometimes kill passersby, then throwing their bodies from the top of the arches.