An Important Past   Torrecuevas Aqueduct   Rio Seco Aqueducts
 La Carrera Aqueduct and Roman Baths   How to Visit

An Important Past
For nearly two thousand years the Roman aqueduct has been the most distinctive and important construction in the Río Verde valley of Almuñécar. And for nearly all that time it has supplied continuous sweet water to the town and local agriculture, one of the reasons why it is still in such good condition today.

To be precise, what is called simply the aqueduct is in fact a sophisticated 6 km artificial watercourse that runs through open channels, underground tunnels and over raised arcades. There were five arcaded sections, all of which still survive and can be visited.

Built in the 1st century ad, the aqueduct was designed to provide a reliable supply of water for the town, local agriculture and the thriving fish-salting industry. It was an elaborate hydraulic project for its time and proves clearly that Almuñécar was considered one of the most important Roman centres along the coast. (See A Brief History)

The water system starts underground beside the Rio Verde, not far from the village of Jete, in an area known as Las Angosturas. More than 500 metres of underground galleries were built to gather rainwater and, surprisingly, after 2000 years they still produce an average flow of 50 litres per second which continues to be an important local supply of drinking water.

From the road towards Jete, you will notice that where the river starts to narrow there is a small grotto on the opposite bank. This is a popular monument to the Virgen del Agua which, if the river is dry enough to cross, is worth a brief visit. This cave marks the end of the underground system for water collection. From here the water was channelled along the Rio Verde to Torrecuevas then through a tunnel to the Rio Seco valley, arriving finally at the town where a syphon pumped the precious liquid up to a deposit in the old town, possibly where the church stands today. From there it fed another higher water deposit which was probably in the Cueva de Siete Palacios (today's Arqueological Museum), supplying the town's expanding population as well as its lucrative fish-salting industry which was located in today's Majuelo Park.

Torrecuevas Aqueduct
Conveniently located beside the main valley road in the district of Torrecuevas (just over 3 km from Almuñécar), this impressive arcaded section is the longest, measuring almost 130 metres of water channel supported by 17 sturdy arches. Though not quite as spectacular as section III in the Rio Seco (see below), it is nevertheless in a delightful setting overlooking the subtropical orchards.

Río Seco Aqueducts
Three raised sections of aqueduct can be seen in the Rio Seco, referred to rather unimaginatively as sections I, II and III. These can be reached from the town by travelling along the river bed for about 700 metres, either on foot or in a sturdy vehicle. The nearest section to town, number III, is the most spectacular of all, being more than 70 metres long supported by two tiers of arches. Unfortunately these three sections are on private land and not that easy to visit.

Best entrance into the river can be found by turning down the side road that leads off the fountain on the Carrera de la Concepción. The riverbed is normally suitable for most types of vehicle if there hasn't been any recent rain.

La Carrera Aqueduct and Roman Baths
This final stretch of aqueduct close to the centre of town has only recently been excavated and is still under study. For centuries it has been completely buried under metres of accumulated topsoil deposited by seasonal flooding of the valley and little was known of its size and condition. First investigations have now led to some exciting discoveries including the remains of a Roman baths.

Excavations have revealed a 100 metre section of aqueduct comprising 17 arches, four of which have collapsed with time. Beside the construction can be clearly seen the partially excavated outlines of what used to be a Roman baths, including hypocaust, cystern, bathing areas and other rooms. The size of the complex implies that this was probably the town's public baths and, as such, an important building.

If you look closely at the arches supporting the aqueduct you'll see that one of them is flanked by small stone pillars on both sides. This doesn't occur on any of the other arcades and it is thought that this was an important passing point for the ancient Vía Herculea which connected today's Cartagena (Murcia) with Málaga. This was the main coast road of 2000 years ago. (Further evidence of the Via Herculea can be seen in the recently restored Cotobro bridge to the west of town.)

You'll find the aqueduct and baths close to the town centre, beside the valley road and only about 50 m from the fountain that's on the Carrera de la Concepción. Until visitor access has been fully prepared, it can be best viewed from the road.

How to Visit the Aqueduct
Apart from the final section that's within walking distance of the town centre, you'll need a car to visit most points along the aqueduct's route. Specialist agencies can arrange guided trips for small groups which may also be combined with visits to other points along the Tropical Valley or Río Seco. Enquire at the tourist office or see our Commercial Directory list of Specialist Excursion Agencies.

MORE SIGHTSEEING

Castle   Church (Almuñécar)   Cotobro Bridge   Loro Sexi Bird Park   Majuelo Park   Municipal Museum Statues, Monuments & Fountains    Watchtowers & Coastal Defences