Here, beneath our feet lies a hidden piece of Porto’s history the Arca de Mijavelhas. This water reservoir was constructed in the 16th century. It sits in what was then known as Campo de Mijavelhas. Today, we know this area as Campo 24 de Agosto.
The Arca de Mijavelhas served a vital purpose. It provided water to the city. It captured water sources and channeled them to fountains throughout Porto. Water carriers obtained water from these fountains. They then distributed it to residents. This system was essential until 1882. That’s when a contract was signed to supply water directly to homes. Before that, people without wells relied on these public fountains.
These fountains were fed by water sources. One such source was the Campo Grande spring. The Chafariz da Rua Chã fountain benefited from the Arca de Mijavelhas’ reservoirs. The water wasn’t just for drinking. It also irrigated fields. It powered mills near the Bishop’s Quinta do Prado. This estate served as the Bishop’s recreation area. Later, it became the Cemitério do Repouso after the liberals’ victory in the Siege of Porto. Over time, the fountain disappeared. The Arca lost its usefulness. Its memory faded.
The name Mijavelhas has an interesting origin. An old tradition says women traveling from Valongo and São Cosme would relieve themselves here. They were on their way to sell produce and bread at the São Lázaro fairs.
Interestingly, the Arca de Mijavelhas was rediscovered during the construction of the Metro do Porto. While building the Campo 24 de Agosto station, workers found the water storage structure. It was a well over six meters deep. The ruins were incorporated into the station. You can still see them on display there.
The area around the Arca has transformed over centuries. More than 600 years ago, the gate of Cimo de Vila stood near today’s Praça da Batalha. It was close to the road leading to Penafiel. The Campo de Mijavelhas was a place for travelers to rest and get water.
In the 16th century, the original fountain was replaced by the Arca. A coat of arms with royal symbols was placed on one of its walls. In 1548, the Municipal Chamber used this as evidence in a dispute with António Madureira. The dispute was about water rights.
The Mijavelhas stream often flooded. The Arca became buried in sediment. Access was only possible through its top. It transformed into a well known as Poço das Patas.
The city expanded beyond its walls. Small settlements grew near fertile land and water sources. These settlements and large estates created a rural landscape.
In 1700, the Municipal Chamber built a small bridge over the Mijavelhas stream. This bridge connected Rua de Santo Ildefonso and Rua do Bonfim. It facilitated the movement of people, carts, and animals.
The Arca de Mijavelhas reminds us of Porto’s past. It shows how water shaped the city’s development. It connects us to the people who relied on its waters. It’s a story hidden in plain sight.