Acueducto de los Milagros, Roman aqueduct in Mérida, Spain
Description
The Acueducto de los Milagros is a Roman aqueduct in Mérida extending approximately 827 meters with arches made of stone and brick. The construction features multiple tiers of arcades, with certain sections rising to about 70 meters in height.
History
The aqueduct was built in the 1st century BCE by wealthy families to supply water to the colony of Emerita Augusta. The system operated successfully for over three centuries and represents Roman engineering skill from that early era.
Culture
The structure gained heritage protection status in 1912 and later joined the Archaeological Ensemble UNESCO recognition in 1993. Its design reflects Roman engineering expertise and how essential water infrastructure was for the ancient settlement.
Practical
Walk along different sections to understand the construction methods and observe how the building techniques varied across the structure. Focusing on areas with multiple arch layers helps you see how the engineering evolved over time.
Did you know?
Storks have established nests atop the arches of this ancient structure and return regularly to nest there. These birds bring modern life to a site where ancient engineering skill was first displayed.
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Stone arch bridges rank among the most durable structures in history. From Roman aqueducts in Spain to medieval river crossings in Central Europe, these constructions demonstrate the evolution of engineering over two millennia. The Pont du Gard in France once transported 20,000 cubic meters of water...
This collection shows the impressive water structures that people built in ancient times to transport water across long distances. Roman and Ottoman engineers constructed aqueducts that crossed rivers and valleys, standing up to 50 meters high. They were made of multiple layers of stone arches...
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