The aqueduct of Segovia is a classic example of Roman water transport architecture—simple in design, yet magnificent to behold, and surprisingly durable. The aqueduct was built in the 1st century AD to convey water from Frío River, 17 km away, to the city, and it has been carrying out this function in one form or another for the past 2,000 years. This is all the more impressive when you realize that this aqueduct was built without a single ounce of mortar.

Segovia, situated approximately 100 km northwest of Madrid, was originally a Celtic settlement, before the city fell to the Romans in around 80 BC. Under the Romans, Segovia rose to become an important town of Roman Hispania.

The Aqueduct of Segovia. Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com