Aljibe

The Moorish Aljibe dates from the 8th century and is placed in the small Altamirano square. It is comprised of three naves with six arches supported by pillars. The Aljibe is not supplied by springs like La Alberca (which was used for irrigation in Moorish times), but rather by rainwater.

The Aljibe, or cistern, is a wonderful example of the adeptness and usefulness of Moorish and Byzantine architecture. Built in the 10th century in order to collect rainwater for the community, it is a testament to Moorish innovation. This aljibe has three openings above ground for the collection of water, which falls into a grand and beautiful room below. It is 10 meters deep and 13 by 12 meters wide, with six arches supporting the overhead deposit system. The walls are coated in copper, which provides a way to preserve and purify the water that falls into the aljibe. The aljibe is very important in understanding the use of Trujillo as a fortress because it provided long lasting water inside the city walls, thus, in case of an attack, the people of Trujillo would not go thirsty. (Bissell, page 6)