Lisbon - Mae d'Água das Amoreiras

The large Mae d'Água das Amoreiras, a castle surrounded by water, at the Jardim das Amoreiras served as a reservoir for the water conveyed across the Aqueduto das Águas Livres. The architect Carlos Mardel, who later played a large part in the reconstruction of the Baixa, drew up the plans for the castle in 1752, but it was not finally completed until 1834. From outside the functional looking building with 5m/16.5ft thick walls appears very severe and plain.

It occupies 5,500 cubic m/21,582 cubic ft. A bust honoring Manuel da Maia, the architect of the aqueduct, stands in front of the entrance.

The interior of the castle is very impressive. The wall leading to the aqueduct has been turned into a grotto, above which the water runs down to the large basin. The foundations of strong pillars, which support the roof of the hall, are buried in the basin. This room, with its unusual atmosphere, is mainly used for art exhibitions - a very successful setting for such a purpose. A flight of steps leads to a roof terrace from which there is a panoramic view of the city. From the steps it is also possible to look into the interior of the aqueduct.