The 11th-century aqueduct that sustained 30,000 people during a siege

Beneath the surface of Calle Tenor Iribarne lies a sophisticated example of Andalusi engineering. This underground system was developed to provide a steady supply of water to the population and the troops during a prolonged siege. In the 11th century, King Jairán commissioned this massive project to ensure that 30,000 inhabitants could be sustained through conflict.

To understand the scale of this feat, we can trace the water from the Alhadra springs located outside the city walls. It traveled over 6,400 metres through a subterranean channel toward the Gate of Pechina. While private residences did not have direct access, the system fed public fountains and pillars. This site functioned as a primary storage point, designed to hold sufficient quantities for the city during times of war.

The architecture reveals a fascinating history of reuse, featuring brick vaults supported by Roman pillars and Caliphate arches. This infrastructure served the city for centuries until the 19th century, when a new reservoir was constructed on the Avenida de Santa Isabel. It remains a compelling subject for those interested in how ancient civilizations managed vital resources.\n Today, the site offers a unique opportunity for cultural exploration. Following a thorough rehabilitation by the city council, the remaining vaults provide 260 square metres of space. This area now houses the El Taranto flamenco club and serves as a venue for exhibitions and lectures, inviting us to engage with the past in a modern context.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons