The Aqueduto de São Sebastião is popularly known as “Arcos do Jardim” – “Arches of the Garden”, given its location adjacent to the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, this aqueduct was built in 1570 by King D. Sebastião, to supply water to the upper part of the city, taking advantage of the layout of a previous Roman aqueduct . The design of this imposing structure, which extends over a kilometer, is attributed to the Italian engineer Felipe Terzi. The  first arch, called the “arch of honor” differs from the rest; topped by a cornice, in which the coat of arms of Portugal is inserted, it is topped by a canopy, resting on Doric colonels and crowned by a dome and lantern; on each side there are two niches with images of São Sebastião and São Roque.

The San Sebastian Aqueduct appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Coimbra!

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Nearby Attractions

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