The Reservatório da Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras is a historic water reservoir in Lisbon’s Amoreiras neighbourhood and part of EPAL’s Museu da Água. Its story is closely tied to the Aqueduto das Águas Livres, and the reservoir’s rooftop terrace offers views over Lisbon.
- Location: Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisbon
- Public transport: Rato metro station and bus routes 706, 709, 711, 727, 738 and 758
- Ticket basics: Free-visit tickets are €4; guided visits are €6
The reservoir and Lisbon’s water history
The reservoir was built to receive and distribute water carried into Lisbon by the Aqueduto das Águas Livres. The aqueduct’s entrance into the city is marked by the arch on Rua das Amoreiras, built by Carlos Mardel between 1746 and 1748; the aqueduct ends at the reservoir.
The project began in 1746. After Mardel died in 1763, work resumed in 1771 under Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos, and finishing work was completed in 1834. The reservoir has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.
Water management shaped the site as well as its architecture. The Casa do Registo, on the reservoir’s western front, was used to control water flows directed to fountains, factories, convents and noble houses. The tank is 7.5 metres deep, and a rooftop terrace looks out over Lisbon.
Where is the reservoir in Amoreiras?
The reservoir stands at Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisbon, in the Amoreiras neighbourhood. From Magnolia Guesthouse, a Lisbon bed and breakfast, it is about a six-minute walk.
To reach the reservoir by public transport, you can use Rato metro station or bus routes 706, 709, 711, 738 and 758.
For a wider sense of the area, the Marquês de Pombal and Amoreiras neighbourhood guide covers the surrounding district.
What can you see at the reservoir?
The site brings together the water tank, the structure built to receive aqueduct water and the Casa do Registo, which controlled its onward distribution. The rooftop terrace is another feature of the visit, with views over Lisbon.
These elements connect the reservoir’s engineering role with the wider network that supplied the city. Its place at the end of the aqueduct also makes the building part of Lisbon’s historic waterworks, rather than a standalone tank.
Tickets, opening hours and access checks
Free-visit tickets cost €4, and guided visits cost €6. Guided visits on Sundays and public holidays have a 100% additional charge. You can ask about bookings and arrangements by calling +351 218 100 215 or emailing mda.epal@adp.pt.
Free admission for free visits applies to children and young people aged 17 or under; ICOM and APOM members; AdP-Águas de Portugal employees; visitors with reduced mobility and one companion; and journalists and teachers performing their duties.
Admission is also free on the first Sunday of each month and on 22 March, 18 April, 18 May, 5 June and 1 October. The Water Museum closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
If you have reduced mobility, note that the admission exemption does not confirm step-free access or internal accessibility arrangements. For current hours, ticket details and access arrangements, check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00–18:00
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
What can you combine with a visit?
Parque Eduardo VII is another landmark to add to a day in this part of Lisbon. You can pair the Amoreiras area with time at the park; the guide to Parque Eduardo VII covers what to see and how to visit.
FAQs
Where is the Reservatório da Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras?
It is at Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisbon, in Amoreiras. You can reach the area by Rato metro or the bus routes serving the reservoir; the Marquês de Pombal and Amoreiras neighbourhood guide adds context about the district.
How much does admission cost?
Free visits cost €4 and guided visits cost €6. You should account for the 100% additional charge on guided visits on Sundays and public holidays.
Which public transport serves the reservoir?
Rato is the nearest metro station named for access, and the bus routes are 706, 709, 711, 738 and 758.
Is the reservoir open on Sundays?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Check current hours before you plan your visit.