Levadas near Rabaçal

There are 6 levadas in the Rabaçal area. They lie on different levels:

1. Level (ca. 1400 m): Levada Velha do Lajeado

2. Level (ca. 1300 m): Levada do Paul 1

3. Level (ca. 1050 m): Levada do Risco

4. Level (ca. 1050 m): Levada do Furado Velho (disused continuation of the Levada do Risco)

5. Level (ca. 960 m): Levada Vinte e Cinco Fontes

6. Level (ca. 850 m): Levada da Rocha Vermelha

Historical notes: Plans for intakes in the Rabaçal area, and for carrying the water on to the dry south side, already existed in the 18th century.

Work began in 1835; on 16 September 1855 at 04.00 the first water flowed along the Levada Velho do Rabacal (today the Levada do Risco and

its continuation (Levada do Furado Velha)) through the Tunel das Estrebarias (Furado Velha) to the south side.

Between 1860 and 1890 the Levada Nova do Rabacal was built; in 1877 the Furado Nova (rider tunnel) was opened

When the section between the rider tunnel and the Furado Velha was taken out of service is not documented.