Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, Mexico

ORIGINALLY constructed between 1553 and 1570, the aqueduct stretches for 45 kilometres between the states of Mexico and Hidalgo on the Central Mexican Plateau. The system encompasses a water catchment area, springs, canals, distribution tanks and arcaded aqueduct bridges.

There are three arcades along the aqueduct: the first has 46 arches, the second 13, and the third 67, also known as the Main Arcade. Its tallest arch stands 38.75 metres tall and it is the highest single-level arcade ever built in an aqueduct.

A Franciscan friar, Padre Tembleque, built it with support from local indigenous peoples. The hydraulic system is a fine blending of Roman hydraulics with traditional Mesoamerican construction techniques, including the use of adobe.