Aqueduct of São Sebastião Arcos do Jardim
A magnificent 16th-century aqueduct with 21 arches, a testament to historical engineering and Coimbra's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Aqueduct of São Sebastião Arcos do Jardim
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 16th-century aqueduct with 21 arches, a testament to historical engineering and Coimbra's past.
"It's amazing that buildings that were done hundreds or thousands of years ago are still standing like it was the first day!"
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos by visiting during daylight. The arches look magnificent against the sky!
🚶♀️ Integrated into Town
Enjoy seeing this ancient structure seamlessly blended with modern life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Arches
Main structure
Marvel at the impressive 21 arches of this historic aqueduct, a testament to ancient engineering.
Statue of Saint Sebastian
Southern end
See the statue of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint, marking one end of this significant structure.
Proximity to Botanical Garden
Adjacent to Jardim Botânico
Enjoy the aqueduct's integration with the beautiful University of Coimbra Botanical Garden.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Arches
Access and Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos by visiting during daylight. The arches look magnificent against the sky!
🚶♀️ Integrated into Town
Enjoy seeing this ancient structure seamlessly blended with modern life.
🌿 Garden Views
Even if the botanical gardens are closed, you can peek through the walls for a glimpse.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos by visiting during daylight. The arches look magnificent against the sky!
🚶♀️ Integrated into Town
Enjoy seeing this ancient structure seamlessly blended with modern life.
🌿 Garden Views
Even if the botanical gardens are closed, you can peek through the walls for a glimpse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the aqueduct's historical significance and its seamless integration into the modern city. Many find it a beautiful and well-preserved ancient structure, often discovered as a pleasant surprise while exploring nearby attractions like the Botanical Garden. Its enduring presence is a testament to its robust construction.
"Built between 1568 and 1570 by order of King Sebastião (D. Sebastião) and designed by Filipe Terzi, this aqueduct was constructed on the remains of a former Roman structure. Its purpose was to supply water to the Alta (Upper Town) of Coimbra. The aqueduct is approximately 1 kilometer long and composed of 21 arches. A statue of Saint Roch (São Roque) stands at the northern end, while a statue of Saint Sebastian (São Sebastião) marks the southern end. Due to its location beside the University of Coimbra Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico), it is also commonly known as Arches of the Garden (Arcos do Jardim)."
Seokjin Ham
"Nice aqueduct on the side of the street on the way to the botanical garden. Great to see it this integrated into the more modern times of the town."
Fabian V
"Beautiful to look at! Tip: If the botanical gardens are closed you can peer into them through openings in the walls."
Julia Moreland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aqueduct is located in Coimbra, Portugal, and is easily accessible on foot within the city. It's situated near the University of Coimbra Botanical Garden, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area. Public transport options within Coimbra can also bring you close to this historical site.
While the aqueduct is integrated into the urban environment, parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check for public parking lots or street parking regulations in the vicinity, especially if you are arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the aqueduct from the outside is free of charge. It's a public structure integrated into the city's landscape.
As an outdoor historical monument, the aqueduct is accessible at all times. However, for the best experience and photography, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
The aqueduct is a historical structure and is not designed for walking on top. Visitors can admire it from ground level.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for photographing the aqueduct. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide particularly beautiful lighting conditions.
Experiment with different angles from street level to capture the scale of the arches. The proximity to the Botanical Garden also offers opportunities for framing shots with greenery.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
This impressive aqueduct was constructed between 1568 and 1570, commissioned by King Sebastião and designed by Filipe Terzi.
Its primary function was to supply water to the Alta (Upper Town) of Coimbra, utilizing a design based on former Roman structures.
The aqueduct stretches approximately 1 kilometer and is characterized by its 21 distinct arches.
It's commonly referred to as Arcos do Jardim (Arches of the Garden) because of its location adjacent to the University of Coimbra Botanical Garden.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs
Take time to appreciate the 21 arches and the statues of Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian. Consider visiting the nearby University of Coimbra Botanical Garden to fully appreciate its context and the 'Arcos do Jardim' moniker.
Photographers
Experiment with different angles to highlight the arches against the sky or incorporate the surrounding urban elements. The proximity to the Botanical Garden also provides opportunities for unique compositions, blending historical architecture with natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Adding to its historical significance are the statues that adorn its ends. A statue of Saint Roch (São Roque) marks the northern extremity, while the southern end is graced by a statue of Saint Sebastian (São Sebastião), the king for whom it was named. This dual presence highlights the religious and royal patronage behind the construction. The aqueduct's integration with the University of Coimbra Botanical Garden has led to its common name, Arcos do Jardim, or Arches of the Garden, further embedding it into the local landscape and identity.
Visitors often express awe at the aqueduct's enduring presence, noting how it seamlessly blends with the modern city. The fact that such ancient constructions are still standing and visible today is a point of fascination for many.
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