Engineering marvel: The 18th-century Acueducto de San Telmo

This historical aqueduct, located in the Ciudad Jardín district of Málaga, showcases remarkable ingenuity and design in its construction. Known as the Acueducto de San Telmo, it is considered one of the most significant hydraulic engineering projects of the 18th century. The aqueduct was designed by architect Martín de Aldehuela and built between October 1782 and September 1784. Construction was promoted by José de Molina Lario y Navarro to address the city's swelling population and booming economy.

The project was authorized by a Royal Order from Carlos III in 1782, with water reaching the main reservoir on Calle Refino by September 1784. The structure was designed with practical sense and technical interest, featuring noble forms and various construction materials, including colored plasters. It features 33 culverts, 2 tunnels, numerous rest areas, fountains, and 30 bridges. The path includes the bridge over Arroyo Humaina and the Arroyo Quintana bridge, which is the longest of the entire system at 170 meters long.

The aqueduct follows a route that includes mills, mines, and several bridges such as Puente Camero and Puente Olletas. Within the city, it is associated with several fountains, including the Fuente Olletas and the Fuente del Tempus Fugit. Recently, the surrounding area in the Ciudad Jardín neighborhood has been valued to improve the space for citizen use.

The aqueduct is a site of cultural heritage interest. While the rural section from the water source to the San José farm remains in use, the urban section reaching the main reservoir on Calle Refino is currently out of use and in poor condition of conservation.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons