What to do · Tomar
Pegões Aqueduct
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 1 h
- Season
- All year
- Who it's for
- Everyone
What it is
The Pegões aqueduct carried water to the Convent of Christ in Tomar. It is about 6 km long and has 180 arches in all, although much of its route runs at ground level or underground. What everyone comes to see is the stretch in the Pegões valley, at Carregueiros, on the edge of town: there the aqueduct crosses the valley on two tiers of arches and reaches about 30 metres in height. Below, 16 pointed arches on thick stone piers, the pegões that give it its name; above, 58 round arches.
Its history
It was begun in 1593, during the reign of Philip I of Portugal (Philip II of Spain). The Italian architect Filippo Terzi laid out the route, and after his death in 1597 the works were continued by Pedro Fernandes de Torres. The first phase was inaugurated in 1614 and the whole was finished in 1619 with the fountain in the convent's main cloister. Before entering the convent, the water arrived at a tank at the Cadeira d'El Rei, at the edge of the estate, and the last arches lean against the south façade. It has been a National Monument since 1910.
Getting there and parking
The Pegões stretch is north-west of the centre of Tomar, a few minutes by car, in the Carregueiros area; follow the signs for Aqueduto dos Pegões. Leave the car somewhere that does not block the tracks or trample the ground at the foot of the arches; the last stretch is on foot.
What to do
Walk at the foot of the arches along the dirt tracks of the valley: from below you grasp the scale. It is a short walk, an hour at most, with good photos from both sides of the valley. The visit is free and open, with no set hours.
The aqueduct is in a poor state of repair and has suffered thefts, vandalism and damage from motorbikes and off-road vehicles. Respect the monument: do not climb the arches or drive vehicles beside them.
When to go
All year round. In first or last light the arches stand out better against the sky. In summer it is very hot in the valley with little shade: take water. After heavy rain, the dirt tracks turn muddy.
With children and dogs
For children it is a short, open walk. With a dog, no problem, on a lead. What matters is safety: the channel at the top has no handrail and the drop is up to 30 metres. Do not go up with them.
Tips
- Go late in the day The low afternoon light picks out the two tiers of arches and it is less hot.
- Combine it with the convent Visit the Convent of Christ and then go and see where its water came from.
- Walk round the valley From the opposite side of the valley you see the whole Pegões stretch at once.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to see the Pegões aqueduct?
Nothing. It is open access with no set hours.
Where is the highest stretch?
In the Pegões valley, at Carregueiros, a few minutes by car north-west of the centre of Tomar.
Can you walk along the top?
It is not advisable: the channel has no protection, the stone is damaged and the height reaches 30 metres.
