Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Monument · Vila do Conde, Porto
Aqueduto de Santa Clara
Aqueduct built between 1705 and 1714 to carry water to the monastery of Santa Clara, with hundreds of stone arches that cross Vila do Conde from Póvoa de Varzim.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Aqueduto de Santa Clara
The aqueduct of Santa Clara was built between 1705 and 1714 at the initiative of the abbess D. Bárbara Micaela de Ataíde, to bring water from the springs of Terroso, in Póvoa de Varzim, to the monastery of Santa Clara. The route is about 4 km long and originally had 999 stone arches, according to the monument's records.
Some arches were lost over time, but long sections remain standing, crossing fields, streets and neighborhoods of Vila do Conde. The arches become taller as the aqueduct approaches the monastery hill, where the water fed the cloister's fountain.
The aqueduct has been a National Monument since 1910. The simplest way to see it is from Largo D. Afonso Sanches, next to the monastery, and to follow the line of arches on foot through the nearby streets. By car, the road to Póvoa de Varzim crosses sections of the aqueduct.
There is no interior visit: the monument is seen from the outside along its route.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes on foot, starting near the monastery.
Best time
At late‑afternoon light, when the side sun highlights the stone arches.
How to get there
The arches begin beside the monastery of Santa Clara, atop the center, about a 10‑minute walk from the metro station.
Tip
Combine the walk along the arches with a visit to the church of Santa Clara: the two are side by side.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Aqueduto de Santa Clara
How many arches does the Santa Clara aqueduct have?
Originally there were 999 stone arches; some of them have been lost, but large stretches still stand.
What was the aqueduct used for?
To carry water from the springs of Terroso, in Póvoa de Varzim, to the monastery of Santa Clara.
When was the aqueduct built?
Between 1705 and 1714, on the initiative of the abbess D. Bárbara Micaela de Ataíde.