a patriarcal A WELL-HIDDEN TREASURE Those wandering through the Jardim do Príncipe Real have no idea that below their feet stands an underground marvel that can be accessed by a modest flight of steps. And once you’ve descended what you’ll find is an enormous reservoir built by the Lisbon water company between 1860 and 1864 to supply the precious liquid where the giant aqueduct (Aqueduto das Águas Livres) that once supplied Lisbon with its water came to an end. The reservoir (Reservatório da Patriarcal) was designed in 1856 by the French engineer Mary.
M
any are unaware that EPAL (Portugal’s Water Com-
is underneath the first and leads off towards Rua da Alegria,
pany) is responsible for a series of monuments and
carrying water from the Alviela system to the reservoir. And
buildings dedicated to the history of Lisbon’s drink-
the third leads from the west wall towards Rua de S. Marçal
ing water. The museum, awarded the Council of Europe
and supplied the western section of the city.
Museum Prize, has four geographically separate sections
The Patriarcal reservoir was taken out of service in the 40s
dealing with the Aqueduto das Águas Livre, the Mãe d’Água
and was renovated in 1994 and turned into a scenic back-
das Amoreiras reservoir, the Patriarcal reservoir and the
drop with steps, pillars, arches, galleries and walkways
Barbadinhos Steam Pumping Station.
– a veritable underground cathedral - for parties, exhibi-
The Patriarcal reservoir, an octagonal stone cistern, has 31
tions and concerts. The renovation work earned EPAL the
9.25-metre-high pillars supporting stone arches and vaults.
Eugénio dos Santos Municipal Architecture Prize in 1994.•
Outside, there’s a fountain, with 4 pipes to drain off the water.
Praça do Príncipe Real (subterrâneo no jardim) Tel. 21 325 16 24 · www.museudaagua.epal.pt
The reservoir has 3 galleries. The first leads off from the east wall to the Galeria do Loreto, which was initially used to supply water to the fountain and the reservoir. The second
Segunda a Sábado / Monday to Saturday 10h00 - 18h00 Encerra ao Domingo e feriados / Closed on Sunday and bank holydays
Príncipe real & São Bento · 21