It was specifically constructed to serve the Joaquín de Almenara factory, once one of the most important sugar mills in the area.
The structure is comprised of four levels of overlapping arches reaching a total height of approximately 40 meters.
The name 'Águila' translates to 'Eagle,' referencing the stone eagle sculpture originally placed atop the structure.
The aqueduct represents a critical transition point in 19th-century Spanish industrial architecture, blending aesthetic form with agricultural utility.
The site remains largely unchanged since its construction, retaining its original brickwork and structural integrity.
The Águila Aqueduct, or Puente del Águila, is a four-story masonry structure located near the village of Maro in Nerja. Built in the late 19th century, it was designed to supply water to the historic San Joaquín sugar refinery. The structure features a series of brick arches spanning the Coladilla ravine. It remains a functional piece of agricultural infrastructure, often still carrying water for local irrigation. The architectural design incorporates mudéjar-style influences typical of the regional industrial history. It is situated on the edge of the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area. The site is visible from the N-340 highway, making it an accessible stop for travelers exploring the Axarquía region.
From the viewpoint on the N-340 highway looking down into the Barranco de la Coladilla.
Park your vehicle in the designated lay-bys along the old N-340 road rather than on the shoulder of the main highway.
Bring binoculars if you wish to see the decorative brickwork details on the higher tiers of the arches.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the heat of the summer sun, which can be intense in the ravine.
Do not attempt to climb the structure; the masonry is old and unstable in areas.
