Excellency
In Portugal there are places where only imagination and art dictate the rules. The Águas Livres Aqueduct, whose rich historical and cultural heritage reflects the spirit emanating from the enlightened century, is a wonderful example.
Therefore, it is with great pride and pleasure that I would like to invite your Excellency and your Family to a special event on Saturday the 25th of June a promenade entitled “The Queen freshens herself - On the Baroque trail” in honour of The Ambassadors of Servia as a farewell.
The meeting-point is at EPAL’s premises on Rua das Amoreiras, 101. Visitors are taken by BUS first of all to Caneças to see and to greet Queen Carlota Joaquina, her coachman and the traditional Caneças washerwomen. You will then cross the Alcântara Valley stretch of the Águas Livres Aqueduct where you will be “attacked” by Diogo Alves. The promenade ends at the Mãe d’Água Reservoir where a light lunch will be served.
The trip will also give all those participating the opportunity to discuss and evaluate the importance of this precious patrimony, as a conduit for the cultural and social development of the eighteen century and it’s magnificent legacy of knowledge for the future.
The signing, in 1731, of a proclamation to initiate the construction of the Aqueduct corresponds to a period of peace and prosperity resulting from the stability and revenue of the colonies. The construction of the Águas Livres Aqueduct System was a 102-year endeavour replete with hardships and successes. The King’s hopes for the aqueduct system, as well the spirit of the Enlightenment, drove him to seek the best architects and technicians to built one of the most important monuments of the world.
I am sure we will meet on the 25 of June, at 10h00 to enjoy the special company of HE Dusko and Nina Lopandic.
Kind Regards
|