Silver Water Aqueduct, Évora

Evora's aqueduct has the nickname "of the silver water," and was built by the town's most famous architect, Francisco de Arruda. It used to bring water from outside the city to Evora's Praca do Giraldo. About 5 miles of the original aqueduct still remain.

After finishing our walking tour of Old Evora, I wanted to have a closer look at the amazing Aqueduct that we had seen when we first entered the city. Located on the northwest corner of Evora, this 'Silver Water' aqueduct, as it is known, was built between 1531-1537. It was regarded as a wonder of its age as it delivered water to the very centre of the city.

However, like the protective walls of the city, it was damaged in the mid 1600s during the wars with Spain over Portugal's desire for independence. Today, there survives a magnificent 5-mile (9 km) long 100-foot high stretch that is more than able to convey its magic spell. I am amazed by these engineering marvels from almost 500 years ago!

One note of warning, even though it was 6:30 PM by the time we found our way here, there can be significant traffic jams in Evora at busy times. It was stop and go all the way as we made our way out of the centre of the city to find a parking lot located directly underneath the structure.

The Silver Water aqueduct was built between 1531 and 1537 to supply the city of Évora with water, the aqueduct is about 5 miles long and begins at the foot of the Height of St. Benedict, crossing part of the town through the Rua do Cano (the one you see on the picture) and the Rua do Salvador.

You can notice all the houses build above the original aqueduct.

Integrated in the Aqueduct of the Silver Water, it was conceived to collect and distribute the aqueduct?s water. It was built in the 16th century by the architect Miguel de Arruda. Of classical design, it ressembles a small rectangular temple set on a foundation and formed by columns with no structural function. The tem columns on the three elevations ar embedded in the box and surmounted by a simple architrave.

1 more image

Built in the 16th century to supply water to the city, this aqueduct is 9 Km long, still crossing the city and displaying a few protective towers.

1 more image

The ancient acueduct runs through the city, although for the most part through the houses. Seeing houses built into the arches of the acueduct is really neat.