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All Spain Madrid Caños del Peral Archaeological Museum

Caños del Peral Archaeological Museum

This small museum tucked within a subway station holds pieces from Madrid's past.

Madrid, Spain

Added By
Luis Morato
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Section of the sewer.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
Section of the sewer.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
A section of the aqueduct.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
A section of Amaniel aqueduct.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
outside the museum   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
The actual fountain   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Part of the aqueduct   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Detail of the bossage.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
signs at the metro stop   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
View of the fountain.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
View of the set: fountain and sewer.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
View of the aqueduct.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
Sewage   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
A panoramic view of the museum and its location inside the Opera tube station.   Luis Morato / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In 2009, while installing elevators in Madrid’s Opera metro station, construction workers came across a slice of the city’s past buried over 26 feet below Plaza de Isabel II. Excavations revealed the Fountain of Caños del Peral, a fragment of the Amaniel Aqueduct, and bits of the old Arenal Sewer.

The fountain of Caños del Peral is perhaps the jewel of the collection. It was built in the second half of the 16th century and has an uncut stone façade in the typical Renaissance style. The fountain was located in a little square where the city's water carriers gathered to collect water, which they then delivered around Madrid.

The other two archaeological treasures are also linked to the city’s relationship with water, particularly with the Arenal Stream. The stream, which came from what’s now Puerta del Sol (the very heart of the city) crossed the square of Caños del Peral via a deep ravine.

Waste was thrown into the stream, causing pollution and blockages that led to flooding. To help remedy the issue, in the 16th century, a sewer system was created. The Amaniel Aqueduct was built in the beginning of the 17th century to cross the ravine. Its construction was essential, as it supplied additional much-needed drinking water to the city. 

Today, these three archaeological relics are displayed within the Opera metro station behind glass panels. Locals and tourists alike can take a few moments to look at them and their accompanying informational signs to add a bit of history to their commutes.

Related Tags

Sewers Underground Subterranean Subterranean Sites Transportation Subways Fountains Aqueducts Archaeology

Know Before You Go

The museum is located underground inside Opera Tube Station. The visit to the museum is free for all Madrid Metro System users. It´s only open during the weekend and is in the Opera Station that serves lines 2, 5, and R. You’ll find the museum on the station’s second level, near the entrance to the Line 2 platform.

Community Contributors

Added By

Luis Morato

Edited By

Xavixavir

  • Xavixavir

Published

October 3, 2018

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Sources
  • https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuente_de_los_Ca%C3%B1os_del_Peral
  • https://www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/museo-arqueologico-canos-del-peral?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.es%2F
Caños del Peral Archaeological Museum
8 Plaza de Isabel II
Madrid
Spain
40.418161, -3.709382
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