No idea why, but Jonathan and I both seem to be fascinated by aqueducts. So, we were really excited the first time we drove into the heart of Lisbon and passed under a huge aqueduct. ‘Wow, didn’t expect to see that,” we both exclaimed. (We don’t get out much, lol!)
Ok, so it’s not Roman, but it’s a great example of 18th-century architecture and engineering, plus the Lisbon Aqueduct survived the devastating earthquake of 1755. The only damage being three skylights breaking off.
When Was the Lisbon Aqueduct Built?
Work on the Águas Livres Aqueduct (Aqueduct of the free waters) began in 1731 until 1799. The impressive section of arches, the one that made us go ‘Wow!’ was completed in 1744. This part of the Aqueduct is now part of the Museu da Água, and it’s possible to walk along the top of the Aqueduct over the Alcântara Valley from the entrance at Campolide to Monsanto Forest Park.
Unfortunately, the gates to the park seem to be permanently locked so a visit to that park will have to wait for another day. The distance along this section of the aqueduct is only 941 metres, and it’s 65 metres tall at its highest point.
From on top, you have an interesting view of the local neighbourhoods and road networks. Walking back from the closed park gate, you get a good view of the April 25 Bridge and the Cristo Rei statue.
When this section was built, these were the tallest stone arches in the world. Money to fund the building of the Águas Livres Aqueduct came from taxes on olive oil, meat, and wine.
Where To Get The Best Views Of The Lisbon Aqueduct
For best views of the Aqueduct, it’s actually better not to be up on the Aqueduct at all but to walk down the road that runs alongside. You’ll find some great photo spots along this stretch. Another place to get a great photo is from nearby Campolide Station.
The Aqueduct Serial Killer
But there is a dark side to the Aquas Livres Aqueduct – cue dramatic music. A Spanish man named Diogo Alves who lived in Lisbon committed many terrible crimes between 1836 to 1839 before being arrested and sentenced to death.
In the past, the Aqueduct also served as a bridge from one side of the Alcântara Valley to the other. (Umm, I wonder if that’s why the park end is locked!) Anyway, Diogo managed to get hold of a key to the Aqueduct and would lie in wait for his victims. He would rob them and then hurl their bodies off the top of the Aqueduct to The Valley below.
For a while, the police believed it was just a lot of suicides, but after 76 victims in the summer of 1837, they began to get a little suspicious!
See also:
- Lisbon In One Day
- Sights To See In Lisbon Near Avenida da Liberdade
- Portugal Day Trip: Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
- Taking Portuguese Lessons in Lisbon
- Portugal Day Trip: Berlenga Islands
In 1841, he was condemned to death, and his head removed as scientists wanted to study his brain to understand how this man was so evil. His head remains in a glass jar in the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Medicine.
Jonathan says that he’s not taking me to the University of Lisbon to look at a serial killer’s head!
Learn More About the Lisbon Aqueduct
Anyway, to learn more about the Aqueduct and its history, visit the Museu de Agua. The museum itself is actually spread over five different parts of Lisbon. This includes the Amoreiras Reservoir, Príncipe Real Garden and the Barbadinhos Steam Pumping Station.
The Aqueduct is just part one of the Lisbon Aqueduct museum tour. For more information, pick up a free map and guide from the ticket office at the Aqueduct or visit their website.
Opening Hours of the Lisbon Aqueduct And Entrance Fee To the Lisbon Aqueduct
Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 to 17:30 (Aqueduct only)
How To Get To The Lisbon Aqueduct
The nearest train station is Campolide Station.
Nearest subways Marques de Pompal or Rato.
How fascinating! I love historic architecture. The police definitely should have been suspicious after 76 “suicides.”
You’d think, wouldn’t you? Lol
Oh no! I can just imagine this place to be haunted. That’s a lot of deaths and it is unfortunate that it took 76 lives for the police to suspect and find out something is wrong.
Also, I agree with Jonathan. There is no way for me to visit the University of Lisbon too. Damn too scary.
The police at that time seemed very similar to the police when we lived in SE Asia lol.
This is so fascinating! As if the aqueduct wasn’t interesting enough on its own, there’s a serial killer story ?what a cool place to visit. Thanks for sharing this place with us – I bet it’s one not many people know about when they visit Lisbon!
Thank you. Jonathan is a bit concerned with my fascination for serial killers and now sleeps with one open, just in case
Beautiful photos and such an interesting piece of history! I’ve never heard about Diogo the murderer and the preservation of the brain is simply beyond my imagination! I agree with Jonathan, I don’t know how I’d feel about seeing that in person either 🙂
I find it fascinating that they still have the head!
Gruesome but an interesting story. We travelled to Lisbon in 2017 and if we had of known about the Aqueduct we would have visited. Love your photos btw.
Thank you. an excuse to return to Lisbon 🙂
I would definitely recommend Amoreiras Reservoir/Mãe de Água das Amoreiras and Barbadinhos Steam Pumping Station. Those places have their own definition of wow. Barbadinhos was even one of the first European Museum prizes.
Diogo Alves story and head are well know. You don’t have to go to Medicine College to see it. View with your own discretion:
http://www.museudemedicina.fm.ul.pt//DesktopModules/ElementoColeccao.aspx?ItemID=58&ModuleId=45&IdColeccao=70
Nevertheless it might be a hoax, it might not be Diogo Alves head at all.
Cool! I love aqueducts too- the older the better. But a serial killer! Hmm. But that does make the story much more interesting!
It is a bit odd that you two have a fascination of aquaducts but how cute! Certainly makes travel a whole lot easier if you have similar interests though! But this auqaduct is quite beautiful. Love that photo of the inside with the long straight lines, as far as the eye can see. It did have quite a sordid past didn’t it? 76 victims in such a short period of time. Glad you two had a great time!
Lol, those that love aqueducts stay together lol. Yes it a bit odd but we are 🙂
I love aqueducts too and am so glad to hear there is one in Lisbon (which I hope to visit this summer). I find stories like that of the serial killer fascinating, though I’m with your husband on not seeing the head! I always appreciate your thoughtful details like listing how to get there or best spots for photos. Keep them coming as I plan my trip!
The Lisbon aqueduct is indeed an engineering marvel. A silent but evocative tribute to the genius of its builders. Loved your pictures, the one of the water way inside the aqueduct is really amazing.
I lost a bet with my so in Mons, France, because they were using an old acquaduct as a train bridge – I had thought it was a replica. It’s amazing how many of these you can still find.
In Perugia, Italy, you can walk up one into the old part of town, which is really quite nice.
Hello from Australia!
We visited the aqueduct when we were in Lisbon earlier this year. It was a wonderful walk with amazing views. Though I had no clue about the darker side. Wonder what scientists learned about his brain!!
I think that is lost to history, but it would be interesting, and maybe scary, to know.