Abánades Aqueduct

The Abánades Aqueduct, built between 1759 and 1804, is one of those discreet yet fundamental elements that ensure the continuity of the Castile Canal along its route. Its function is to allow a stream to pass under the canal without altering the water flow or compromising the stability of the infrastructure, thus resolving one of the numerous intersections between natural watercourses and civil engineering works. Constructed entirely of limestone ashlar, it reflects the construction principles of Enlightenment engineering: sober, resistant solutions perfectly adapted to the terrain. Here, the canal runs elevated on a bank, allowing for a commanding view from the agricultural roads of a broad plain that enhances the aqueduct’s presence in the landscape. Its state of preservation is not good, but it retains all of the original structure, which reinforces its heritage value and justifies its comprehensive protection.

A visit to the Abánades Aqueduct offers a peaceful stroll through open fields, where the canal rises naturally above the landscape and the hydraulic engineering appears almost hidden. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of the scenery, discover how 18th-century engineering was integrated into the landscape, and be amazed by the simple beauty of these structures that still preserve the memory of the Canal de Castilla.