Acueducto de Pinula, Colonial aqueduct in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The Pinula Aqueduct is a colonial-era water conveyance system that runs through multiple zones of the city with brick arches. The construction transported water from the Pinula River using a series of arches and channels to move water across long distances.
Construction began in 1774 under architect Jose Bernardo Ramirez to address the city's growing water needs. The system supplied water to Guatemala City for more than 150 years before modern infrastructure took over in the 1930s.
The structure served as a gathering place for the city's residents over the centuries. Today, locals recognize the remaining arches as landmarks that define their neighborhoods.
The remaining sections are located along 20 Calle and Boulevard Liberacion and can be explored on foot. It is best to visit early in the morning when streets are quieter and visibility of the structure is clearer.
The structure featured an ingenious internal design that increased water pressure and flow speed to transport water over great distances. This technical approach allowed it to overcome both steep and flat sections of terrain.
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