Francisco de Arruda incorporated residential units into the arches to stabilize the structure and maximize urban space.
The aqueduct covers a total distance of 18 kilometers from the source at Graça do Divor to the city center.
It was built during a period of significant urban expansion in Évora to combat chronic water shortages.
The name 'Água de Prata' translates to 'Silver Water', reflecting the precious nature of the resource in the arid Alentejo region.
The Aqueduct of Silver Water, or Aqueduct Água de Prata, is an 18-kilometer engineering marvel commissioned by King João III to supply Évora with fresh water. Construction began in 1531 and concluded in 1537 under the direction of military architect Francisco de Arruda, who also designed the Belém Tower in Lisbon. The structure enters the city through the historic center, where its arches are uniquely integrated into the residential architecture. Many local houses and shops are built directly into or between the massive stone arches of the aqueduct. It reaches a height of 26 meters at its tallest points outside the city walls. The original design included a series of fountain basins, such as the Porta da Moura, to distribute water to residents. It remains one of the most prominent examples of Renaissance hydraulic engineering in the Iberian Peninsula.
Rua do Cano, where the aqueduct arches frame the narrow, whitewashed street.
Walk the pedestrian path that runs alongside the outer sections of the aqueduct for views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore the Rua do Cano within the city walls to see how modern homes are fused with the 16th-century stonework.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the intense Alentejo summer heat, as there is little shade along the rural segments.
Attempting to climb the stone masonry, as the structure is historical and fragile.
