Cisterna da Moura Encantada, Castelo de Silves, Silves.
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Posted by: 
greysman
N 37° 11.476 W 008° 26.246
29S E 549929 N 4116239
A large vaulted, underground water storage tank.
Waymark Code: WM8YG3
Location: Faro, Portugal
Date Posted: 05/31/2010
Views: 11
Cisterna da Moura Encantada - Cistern of the Enchanted Moor.
Built by the Moors in the late twelfth century or early thirteenth century, this was vital in helping to stave off thirst during a prolonged siege, in the face of advancing Christians.
It is built to a rectangular plan with twelve free-standing pillars supporting the four barrel vaults forming the roof. Able to store 1.3 million liters of water, sufficient for a large population for over a year.
Until recently there was no entry to the cistern, but thanks to a conservation programme entry is now available. A new glass floor, lighting, information boards all lead to an exhilarating experience.
Oh.. 'Enchanted' - because it is said that on the night of São João a boat comes carrying a beautiful Moorish Princess, whom you can hear mourning for her beloved where he committed suicide. The boat disappears with the dawn.
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