One of Rio de Janeiro’s oldest surviving colonial landmarks, the
Arcos da Lapa, also known as the Carioca Aqueduct, stretches 800
feet long. A double row of 42 graceful arches, the Arcos da Lapa
was once responsible for carrying water from the Rio Carioca to
the 16 spout fountain in Largo da Carioca. It was from this
fountain that Rio’s citizens drew their water. It is said that
the original composition of the monument was a mixture of whale
oil, limestone, granite, sand and bricks, the 18th century
predecessor of concrete. According to most sources, this
composition has never been altered. Built in 1750, the Arcos da
Lapa has evolved over the years and is used today as a viaduct
to connect downtown Rio to the area known as Santa Theresa. It’s
architecture resembling that of the Roman aqueducts, Arcos da
Lapa was a monumental venture in it’s time that has continued to
evolve to meet the needs of the population of Rio de Janeiro. In
the 1890’s the aqueduct was converted into a bridge for electric
streetcars. A