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