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Águas Livres Aqueduct

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Águas Livres AqueductLijealso · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
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The Águas Livres Aqueduct is an impressive feat of 18th-century engineering, stretching 58 kilometers from the Sintra hills to Lisbon. Its most iconic section crosses the Alcântara Valley with 35 towering stone arches, the tallest reaching 65 meters. Built between 1731 and 1799 under King João V, it brought fresh water to the city's fountains. Visitors can walk along the top of the aqueduct for stunning views over Lisbon, passing over the former water channel. The site also includes the Mãe d'Água reservoir, a grand water chamber.

Don't miss

  • Walk along the top of the aqueduct's highest arches, 65 meters above the Alcântara Valley.
  • Visit the Mãe d'Água das Amoreiras reservoir, a neoclassical water chamber with a reflecting pool.
  • See the 'Arco das Amoreiras', the first arch built, marking the aqueduct's entry into Lisbon.

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Ways to visit Águas Livres Aqueduct

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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