The picturesque town of Évora is known for its many historic sites and the most prominent one of all has to be the Aqueduto da Água de Prata. The elegant arches of this centuries-old aqueduct dominate the skyline of the town. Visit it to see a well-preserved masterpiece of 16th-century engineering, then explore the beautiful walking trails that surround it.
Work began on the aqueduct in 1531, under the reign of King João III. The ambitious project transported fresh water from the Ribeira do Divor into the heart of Évora, the Praça do Giraldo, which is the town’s main square. Visit the Praça do Giraldo today and admire the wonderfully ornate 16th-century buildings that would have originally benefited from the water system, which was state-of-the-art at the time.
Go to the section of the aqueduct located within Évora’s city walls to take idyllic photos of the pretty buildings that have sprung up beneath the structure’s arches. Follow the path of the aqueduct beyond the city walls and see how the towering structure increases in size further away from the town.
Hike or bike along the enticing nature trails that have been built along the aqueduct’s length. The area was cleaned up with the intention of providing a way to experience some of Alentejo’s beautiful scenery at the same time as visiting the aqueduct. Follow miles of trails that lead through shaded forests and manicured farmland. Enjoy incredible views of both the countryside and of the historic town of Évora itself.
Find the Aqueduto da Água de Prata in the northern part of Évora, around a 10-minute walk from the Praça do Giraldo. On the way, consider taking a short detour to see the Roman Temple of Évora, another very impressive structure with a long history. Stay overnight in Évora, which makes a perfect base for exploring the gorgeous Alentejo region. Alternatively, come on a daytrip from Lisbon, which is less than 2 hours away by train.
