Águas Livres Aqueduct, Stone aqueduct in Campolide, Portugal
The Águas Livres Aqueduct is a baroque stone water supply system in Campolide and Santo António, Portugal, stretching across large sections of Lisbon. The arches, built from pale limestone, cross valleys and hills and reach about 65 meters (213 feet) at the highest point, with the entire structure covering dozens of kilometers.
Construction started in the mid-18th century under King John V to solve water problems in the growing capital. The structure survived the severe earthquake of 1755 and remained the main water source for the city for many decades.
The capital still draws part of its water supply from this system, which connects springs outside the city to fountains and distribution points at the center. The name refers to the free, living waters that once became accessible to the entire population and improved hygiene fundamentally.
Visits are possible Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with guided tours starting at the Water Museum. Access involves stairs and narrow walkways, so appropriate footwear is advisable.
In the 19th century, the structure gained dark notoriety when a serial killer pushed victims from the tall arches into the depths below. Today, a section serves as a lookout point, offering views over large parts of the city.
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