Aqueduto da Água de Prata

The Água de Prata Aqueduct, also known as the Água da Prata Aqueduct or Aqueduto da Prata, is a complex work of Renaissance hydraulic engineering with the aim of supplying the city of Évora with water. Opened in 1537, it was built during the reign of D. João III and designed and built by the royal architect Francisco de Arruda. The aqueduct transports water from springs located in Graça do Divor, within the grounds of the Convento São Bento de Castris, which “have their first beginning in Herdade das Figueiras de Lobo”, to the city of Évora, covering approximately 18 km .

It is an integral part of the Historic Center of Évora included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has been classified as a National Monument since 1910. The aqueduct is one of the few from that time that continues to operate today, contributing to the city’s water supply. Due to the strong need for preservation, the Aqueduct was added to the biennial World Monuments Watch list.