The aqueduct stands on foundations believed to date back to Roman times, intended to supply the ancient city of Aeminium.
The project was executed by architect Filipe Terzi, a military engineer from Italy who served the Portuguese crown.
The structure terminates at the Jardim Botânico, where it historically fed water to the university gardens and the fountain of the college of the Society of Jesus.
During the Peninsular War, the area around the arches served as a defensive vantage point for troops.
The total length of the original water conduit from the Celas springs reached approximately one kilometer.
The Aqueduto de São Sebastião, locally known as the Arcos do Jardim, is a 16th-century stone aqueduct located in the Sé Nova district of Coimbra. It was commissioned by King João III to transport water from the village of Celas to the high city, specifically serving the university and surrounding religious institutions. The current structure replaced a dilapidated Roman aqueduct that previously occupied the same path. It consists of 21 large rounded arches built from limestone blocks. The structure spans the northern edge of the Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra. The aqueduct features a prominent decorative fountain at its terminus, designed in the Mannerist style. It currently functions as a pedestrian landmark connecting the historic upper town with the modern university campus areas. Much of the original water channel system has been decommissioned, but the masonry remains structurally sound.
From the lower pathways inside the Jardim Botânico looking up toward the arches against the sky.
Combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring Jardim Botânico for the best perspective of the arches from below.
Visit during the late afternoon to see the light transition through the arches toward the botanical gardens.
The walkway along the top of the aqueduct provides a clear view of the Sé Nova cathedral's towers.
Do not attempt to climb onto the masonry or the top of the arches, as the stonework is historic and fragile.
