The Águas Livres Aqueduct has been supplying the town of Lisbon of its waters since 1748 and it is considered to be one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering. Its construction was ordered by king João the 5th, according to the project of Manuel of the Maia, and the plan was paid for by a special sales tax on beef, olive oil, wine, and other products.
With 14 Km of stretch since the main spring and with several subsidiary aqueducts and distribution, with a total of 58 Km, the Aqueduct used to supply a useful and beautiful fountain’s network in the city.
The Aqueduct has in its most monumental part an set of 35 arches, over the Alcântara valley covering 941 m. The tallest arches reach a height of 65 m, and many are pointed, reminiscent of arches in Gothic style. It is considered to be a masterpiece of engineering of the Baroque period.
The Águas Livres Aqueduct is nowadays deactivated and can be visited as part of the
Water Museum (EPAL-Museu da Água).