Patriarcal Water Cistern

The majestic stone chamber that constitutes the Reservatório da Patriarcal (water cistern) is located below the Príncipe Real garden. Built between 1860 and 1864, the water cistern was once the most important point of water distribution for the lower-lying inner city. Octogonal in form, it features 31 pillars measuring 9.25 metres supporting stonework vaulting, giving the space an air of grandiosity. Fed by the Águas Livres aqueduct, it was deactivated in 1949. It also provides underground access to the Galeria do Loreto, which extends for 410 metres, connecting to São Pedro de Alcântara garden.