Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System
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| Begins | Zempoala, Hidalgo |
| Ends | Otumba, Mexico State |
| Official name | Sistema Hidráulico del Acueducto del Padre Tembleque |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 45 kilometres (28 mi) |
| Height | 38.75 metres (127.1 ft) Main Arcade |
| History | |
| Construction start | 1553 |
| Opened | 1570 |
| Type: | Cultural |
| Criteria: | i, ii, iv |
| Designated: | 2015 (39th session) |
| Reference #: | 1463 |
| Region: | Hispano America and the Caribbean |
The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque is an amazing old water system in Mexico. It was built a long time ago to carry fresh water to towns. This impressive aqueduct stretches between the towns of Zempoala, Hidalgo and Otumba. It is named after a Spanish friar, or monk, called Francisco de Tembleque. He was the one who started this huge project.
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What is the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque?
This incredible aqueduct was built between 1553 and 1570. That's over 450 years ago! Its main job was to bring water from the Tecajete volcano, near Zempoala, all the way to Otumba. The aqueduct is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) long.
Most of the aqueduct runs along the ground. But in some places, it goes underground. It also crosses over deep valleys and ravines. To do this, engineers built special bridge-like structures called arcades.
Amazing Arches and the Main Arcade
The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque has three main sections with many arches:
- The first section has 46 arches.
- The second section has 13 arches.
- The third and most famous section has 67 arches.
The third section is also known as the Main Arcade. It crosses the Papalote ravine. This part is truly impressive! The tallest arch in the Main Arcade stands about 38.75 meters (127 feet) high. That's as tall as a 12-story building!
Why is it a World Heritage Site?
The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque is so special that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. This happened on July 5, 2015.
Being a World Heritage Site means it's considered very important for all of humanity. It shows amazing human creativity and history. The aqueduct is a great example of how people built complex water systems centuries ago. It also shows how different cultures worked together.
See also
In Spanish: Acueducto del Padre Tembleque para niños
- Acueducto del Padre Tembleque on the Spanish Wikipedia
- List of World Heritage Sites in Mexico
