The Pedrosilla Aqueduct is a hydraulic infrastructure of the Southern Branch of the Castile Canal, located within the municipality of Valladolid, at kilometer 136.370, very close to the N-620 highway which runs along its right bank. Its function is to allow passage under the Pozo Patilla stream, ensuring the continuity of the canal’s route and the proper drainage of water at a critical point.
The structure consists of a single semicircular arch with an approximate span of 1.70 meters. The arch is positioned lower than the entrance channel, causing the water to cascade down a small series of steps—a simple and effective solution to adapt to the terrain’s topography. The aqueduct is built entirely of limestone masonry, a material commonly used on the Canal de Castilla for its strength and durability. Its design is functional, devoid of superfluous ornamentation, and focused on ensuring the stability and channeling of the stream. The aqueduct retains all of its original hydraulic structure, justifying its comprehensive protection and reinforcing its heritage value as a testament to 19th-century hydraulic engineering.
For visitors, the Pedrosilla Aqueduct offers a discreet yet revealing stop along the Canal de Castilla. Integrated into an open and easily accessible environment, it allows one to understand how these small structures were essential for the canal’s continuous operation and its integration into the landscape.
