Aqueduto de Sao Sebastiao (Aqueduct of Saint Sebastian), Coimbra

Aqueduto de Sao Sebastiao (Aqueduct of Saint Sebastian), Coimbra

The Aqueduct of Saint Sebastian (Aqueduto de São Sebastião), commonly known as Arcos do Jardim (Garden Arches), is an architectural landmark in Coimbra. Situated on Martim de Freitas sidewalk, directly in front of the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, this structure has been an integral part of the cityscape for centuries. It stands in the parish of Sé Nova, within the district and municipality of Coimbra.

The site originally housed a Roman aqueduct supplying Coimbra’s upper part. The current structure, built between 1568 and 1570 under King Sebastian, is a Renaissance work by Italian architect Filipe Terzio. Reusing the ancient route, it spans between the former Monastery of Santana and Coimbra Castle, with 21 grand arches forming an imposing yet elegant sight.

A defining feature of the aqueduct is the Arch of Honor, crafted from stone and adorned with two sculptures at its summit. On its north side stands Sao Roque, while Sao Sebastiao, the structure’s namesake, is positioned on the south side. These statues add a religious and artistic dimension to the aqueduct’s functional purpose.

The aqueduct's primary function was to address water scarcity issues, particularly for the Colégio de Jesus—now part of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Coimbra. It transported water from the Ribeira de Souselas through lead pipes into cisterns within the university premises, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh water. The design reflects influences from Roman engineering combined with Portuguese Renaissance aesthetics, resulting in a structure that has withstood the test of time.

The aqueduct stretches about a kilometer, its arches contrasting with the greenery of the Botanical Garden, which now surrounds it. Declared a National Monument in 1910, it remains a treasured landmark, showcasing Coimbra’s blend of history, culture, and architectural ingenuity while offering a scenic retreat for visitors and locals alike.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Coimbra. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Aqueduto de Sao Sebastiao (Aqueduct of Saint Sebastian) on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Aqueduto de Sao Sebastiao (Aqueduct of Saint Sebastian)
Sight Location: Coimbra, Portugal (See walking tours in Coimbra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Coimbra, Portugal

Create Your Own Walk in Coimbra

Create Your Own Walk in Coimbra

Creating your own self-guided walk in Coimbra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Coimbra Introduction Walking Tour

Coimbra Introduction Walking Tour

The ancient Roman city of Aeminium, by the Mondego River, eventually became the city of Coimbra. The modern Machado de Castro National Museum rests on the remains of a medieval bishop's palace. The palace was supported by an old cryptoporticus and Roman forum. The forum was the seed of the political and religious center of a city always reborn.

For more than 100 years Aeminium was held by...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Amid the array of historic buildings narrating the cultural and architectural heritage of Coimbra, Portugal, there are both secular structures and great churches, dating back centuries. Apart from their historical value, these buildings exemplify the resplendent European architecture of the past, featuring Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and other styles. Some of them are richly decorated on the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles