Aqueduct

The arched structure in the distance is the Águas Livres Aqueduct - "Aqueduct of the Free Waters", an historic aqueduct in the city of Lisbon.
It´s one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering. The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km, but the whole network of canals extends through nearly 58 km.
Construction started in 1731. Architect Custódio Vieira conceived the centerpiece of the aqueduct, the arches over the Alcantara valley, completed in 1744. A total of 35 arches cross the 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 a masterpiece of engineering in the Baroque period.
A trip today to the materials shop in Lisbon gave an opportunity to take a picture of one of my favourite monuments. On my way to work everyday, I pass by the areas where the water is collected. The buildings and covered channels that are part of the whole complex network still exist. I´ll be photographing them soon. I promise.