The Aqueduto de Óbidos, also called the Usseira aqueduct, runs across the countryside south of the walled town. It is a sixteenth-century structure built to carry water to Óbidos, and a striking sight as its line of stone arches crosses the fields and vineyards.
The aqueduct was commissioned by Queen Catherine of Austria, who, by tradition, funded the work by giving up lands around the town. It carried water from a source at Usseira, several kilometres away, partly underground and partly along the raised arcade, to supply the town's fountains — including the fountain on the Praça de Santa Maria.
Built of limestone, the arcade is admired for the regularity of its arches. The aqueduct still feeds some of the historic fountains of Óbidos today, and walking alongside it is an easy and quiet counterpoint to the busy streets within the walls.
Highlights
- Sixteenth-century aqueduct south of the walled town
- Commissioned by Queen Catherine of Austria
- Long line of regular limestone arches across the fields
- Carried water from the Usseira source to the town
- Still feeds some of the historic fountains of Óbidos
History & context
The aqueduct was built in the sixteenth century, around 1573, under the patronage of Queen Catherine of Austria, as the first organised water supply of Óbidos. It carried water from a source at Usseira, with covered and underground sections feeding the raised arcade, supplying the Chafariz Real on the Praça de Santa Maria and other fountains. Funded by the Queen — by tradition in exchange for lands around the town — the aqueduct is a notable example of sixteenth-century engineering and still feeds some town fountains.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Spring and autumn for comfortable walking. The arches photograph well in the low light of morning or late afternoon.
⏱️ Duration
20–30 minutes
♿ Accessibility
Moderate. The aqueduct is in open countryside on mostly level ground, though paths are unpaved.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Aqueduto de Óbidos?
It was built in the sixteenth century under the patronage of Queen Catherine of Austria, as the town's first organised water supply.
Can you visit the aqueduct?
Yes, the aqueduct stands in open countryside south of the town and can be seen and walked alongside freely.
Does the aqueduct still work?
It still feeds some of the historic fountains of Óbidos, a working survival of sixteenth-century engineering.