Water for a thirsty city
King João V ordered the aqueduct in 1731 to bring spring water to Lisbon; the first water arrived in 1748.
Urban Tales › Lisbon › Águas Livres Aqueduct
Águas Livres Aqueduct: the history, and the arches that survived the earthquake
A line of stone arches striding across the Alcântara valley, built to bring Lisbon its first reliable fresh water. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Begun1731
Ordered byKing João V
Tallest arch≈ 65 m
Water reached the city1748
Hear the Águas Livres Aqueduct story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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It stood in 1755
The arches over the Alcântara valley came through the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the city.
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A darker story
In the 1830s the robber Diogo Alves is said to have attacked travellers on the walkway over the arches. His preserved head is still kept at Lisbon's Faculty of Medicine.
TipThe walkway on top of the arches is open on visit days, with a view over the valley; check opening times before you go. With Urban Tales running, the aqueduct's story plays as you reach the arches.
Nearby landmarks
Águas Livres Aqueduct: common questions
When was the Águas Livres Aqueduct built?
Work began in 1731 under King João V; the main arches over the Alcântara valley were finished by 1744, and water reached Lisbon in 1748.
How tall is the Águas Livres Aqueduct?
Its tallest arch, over the Alcântara valley, is about 65 metres high.
Can you walk on the Lisbon aqueduct?
Yes, on visiting days you can walk the passage on top of the arches.