Sete Fontes (Braga)

Sete Fontes, meaning "Seven Springs" in Portuguese, is a monumental water supply system located in the city of Braga, Portugal. Built in the 18th century, primarily between 1737 and 1750 during the Archbishopric of D. José de Bragança, it was designed to provide a reliable source of drinking water to the growing population of Braga.

The system consists of a network of underground galleries, aqueducts, and springs that collect and channel water from various sources on the slopes of Monte do Castro. This collected water is then transported to the city through a complex series of stone-lined tunnels, some of which are still in use today. The name "Sete Fontes" refers to the seven main source points, although the system incorporates many more individual springs.

The construction of Sete Fontes was a significant feat of engineering for its time. It addressed the city's chronic water shortage problems and helped to improve public health. The system also incorporates various control structures and reservoirs along its course to regulate the water flow.

Today, Sete Fontes is recognized as a site of significant historical and architectural importance. While some parts of the system are still used for water supply, much of it is preserved as a monument. Efforts are ongoing to conserve and promote the site as a cultural heritage asset. Visitors can explore sections of the aqueducts and learn about the history and engineering behind this important infrastructure project. It remains an iconic landmark of Braga, demonstrating the city's rich history and ingenuity in water management.