El agua como nexo entre la arqueología y la arquitectura :

un ejemplo de visibilización de obra monumental

Abstract

This work deals with Urban Archaeology and it is performed in the Preventive Protection Area of the historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento- Uruguay. The intervention consisted of a monitoring of the work in block 18, land register number 442 in front of the main square of said city. Archaeological exploratory surveys were carried out in the place during the work, where a construction for reservoir and water supply, commonly known as well, was found. Wells are complex systems for rainwater use and are highly important regarding the exploitation of this resource. This kind of constructions suggests the economic, social and symbolic level of the people who constructed them. In this case, it is a vaulted structure from the late nineteenth century, which has important dimensions. It is composed of a curbstone, a tank and pipes for water ingress and extraction. This structure has high historical value and has enabled a better understanding of the history and development of the “New City” of Colonia. The work performed by all the actors together has made it possible to value such structure, which is currently exposed to the public.