Summary
Situated on the edge of a lagoon, Aveiro is a coastal city infused with maritime culture. The city features a network of canals navigable by highly colorful gondola-style vessels called moliceiros. Alongside the canals, the historical district showcases delightful Art Nouveau homes painted in soft hues.
The primary attraction in Aveiro is the Mosteiro de Jesus, a monastery linked to the royal family and housing a sophisticated collection of religious art in its museum. Additionally, the Atlantic Ocean lies just moments away, granting immediate access to expansive sandy beaches and the charming resort of Costa Nova.
Let us examine the top attractions in Aveiro:
1. Mosteiro de Jesus
This revered monument in Aveiro is a convent constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Its significance is attributed to one of its residents, Princess Joanna of Portugal, daughter of Afonso V. Due to her royal status, she was unable to take her solemn vows and chose instead to lead a simple life at the convent, leaving her estates to it upon her death in 1490. She was beatified in the 17th century, and her remarkable tomb in the lower chancel showcases an exquisite blend of marble and ceramics.
The nave and apse of the church are also extraordinary, featuring stunning floor tiles and intricately decorated surfaces covered in ornate wood carvings.
2. Museu de Aveiro
Since 2011, the monastery buildings have been transitioned into a museum, showcasing their architectural grandeur and an impressive collection of religious art displayed on the upper floors.
This collection has been assembled from the numerous monasteries that once dotted the Aveiro region.
Highlights include primitive and Renaissance paintings, sculptural works from Coimbra, intricate stone carvings, azulejos (decorative glazed tiles), exquisite jewelry, furniture, and historical vestments.
The refectory below is notably delightful with its tiled walls.
Furthermore, the cloister, established in the 15th and 16th centuries, features geometric tiling and two levels of galleries surrounding a central fountain.
3. Aveiro’s Canals
The canals, nourished by Aveiro’s lagoon, are integral to the city’s identity and merit at least a few hours of exploration.
There are several paths to traverse, winding through both historic and more modern areas of the city.
The quays situated in the Rossio locality feature stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture, which will be elaborated upon later.
The Jardim do Rossio is a picturesque green space along the canal, characterized by lawns and palm trees, making it an ideal spot for leisurely relaxation.
The pastel-hued houses add charm, creating a scenic backdrop, while tuk-tuks are readily available for a brief tour.
4. Moliceiro Tour
These vibrantly painted vessels are emblematic of Aveiro, allowing visitors to enjoy a 45-minute water tour of the city.
Originally, moliceiros were constructed to harvest seaweed from the lagoon.
This seaweed served as a fertilizer for the local sandy soils.
Although this practice declined with the advent of modern fertilizers, the traditional boat-building craftsmanship has been revived to create a fleet of tourist boats.
The painted designs on the bow and stern depict authentic scenes from Aveiro, offering a comprehensive overview of the city as you sail through its canals and alongside the salt farms bordering the lagoon.
5. Rossio Area
In the early 20th century, emigrants who achieved financial success in Brazil returned to Aveiro and constructed stylish homes in the Art Nouveau style.
Distinct properties to observe include the Casa do Major Pessoa, presently the Art Nouveau Museum, embellished with attractive wrought iron gates and balconies.
Also noteworthy is the Casa dos Ovos Moles adjacent to the water on Rua João Mendonça 24 and 25, featuring charming ornamental balconies and a distinctive gable adorned with a rounded window at the top.
On the same street, the Cooperativa Agrícola building at 5, 6, and 7 showcases remarkable tile work with floral motifs.
6. Church of São João Evangelista
Commonly referred to as the Carmelite Church, this lavish structure was part of a significant convent that was largely demolished following an urban redevelopment plan in the early 20th century.
The church dates back to the early 1700s and underwent extensive embellishment in subsequent decades.
This era was marked by considerable wealth, resulting in elaborate decoration of many churches throughout Portugal.
Upon entering from the austere exterior, the opulence of this church is evident, with golden embellishments illuminating the paintings on both walls and ceiling.
The lower halves of the walls in the nave boast stunning blue and white azulejos.
7. Forum Aveiro
This shopping center distinguishes itself from typical malls by its prime canal-side location and classical architectural design, featuring two-story galleries and bridges spanning a long central corridor.
Its aesthetic is sophisticated, complemented by rooftop cafes and green areas that invite picnics during warmer months.
In terms of retail, popular brands such as Zara and Mango are well represented, along with ubiquitous stores found in many Iberian cities, like Bershka, Oysho, and Pull & Bear.
The food court offers a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from fast food to traditional Portuguese cuisine (Serra da Estrela), and also houses a cinema.
8. Old Train Station
Travelers arriving in Aveiro by train will be captivated by a glimpse into the city’s early 20th-century history upon arrival.
The historic train station stands in stark contrast to the modern terminal, having been finalized in 1916. Notably, its aesthetic is defined by the striking blue azulejos tiles made at the Fábrica da Fonte Nova, which illustrate traditional scenes from Aveiro and its surroundings.
Imagery includes moliceiros, salt farms, individuals in regional attire, and depictions of Aveiro’s canals.
This terminal serves as a time capsule of the city, reflecting its history over a century in the making.
9. Costa Nova
This picturesque seaside village is situated on a long peninsula bordered by the lagoon on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
Once a fishing village before the influx of tourists, Costa Nova retains a reminder of its history through its charming weatherboard cottages adorned with vertical stripes.
For seafood enthusiasts, the local market is a must-visit; here, you can have whelks, crabs, goose barnacles, and shrimp, freshly harvested from the lagoon, prepared on the Cais dos Pescadores while you wait.
This offers a rare opportunity to savor seafood that is literally fresh from the ocean.
10. Praia da Barra
Those seeking beach leisure can easily access Praia da Barra, located less than 10 kilometers from Aveiro.
This area features two primary beaches; the upper one (Praia Velha) marks the point where the Aveiro Lagoon meets the ocean.
The long breakwaters on either side shield the beach from ocean waves, providing calm waters for bathing.
South of this area lies a broad, open beach framed by sand dunes, which features an elongated wooden walkway for accessibility.
This beach is popular among surfers due to its rolling waves, and a surf school is located directly on-site for newcomers wishing to learn.
11. Praia da Barra Lighthouse
The tallest lighthouse in Portugal, it stands at 62 meters and is located behind Praia Velha.
Built in 1893, it was essential due to the shallow ocean terrain off Aveiro, as the lagoon’s presence often distorted perceptions of distance to the shoreline.
It took another century for the lighthouse to be automated in 1990. Visitors on Wednesday afternoons can ascend the 271 steps to the platform for a remarkable view of the lagoon, Praia da Barra, Costa Nova, and the communities of São Jacinto and Gafanhas.
12. Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo
During the dictatorship, Aveiro was one of Portugal’s foremost ports for cod fishing.
The maritime museum located a short distance away in Ílhavo encapsulates the nation’s historical relationship with this fish.
This museum features a replica of the trawlers that ventured as far as Newfoundland for cod fishing, and it provides insights into the tools of the trade, life aboard these vessels, and the cultural implications surrounding this pivotal industry.
Exhibits also spotlight the Aveiro lagoon along with its marshland and distinctive moliceiros vessels.
13. Museu Histórico da Vista Alegre
The Vista Alegre porcelain factory has been producing high-quality ceramics for over two centuries.
It encompasses an extensive complex featuring the factory, a 17th-century palace, a chapel, and an entire residential area constructed for workers complete with its own theater.
The museum is housed in former factory buildings and has recently undergone renovations.
Visiting provides an overview of the Vista Alegre company, the history of porcelain, and its significance within Portuguese culture.
With over 30,000 pieces on display, visitors can also view the old kilns and modern facilities that still employ around 700 individuals.
The gift shop may be challenging to resist!
14. Bike Rides
Aveiro’s flat terrain and paved canal walkways are conducive to cycling, which has been a popular transportation method since the early 20th century.
The city has recently enhanced biking convenience with its BUGA bike-sharing initiative.
There are 20 BUGA stations throughout Aveiro, allowing users to access bikes complete with a specialized locking mechanism.
This permits cyclists to secure their bikes while visiting various attractions.
The bike-sharing service operates from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Riding around the Aveiro Lagoon enables you to glide past saltworks and cornfields along the BioRia trails, providing opportunities to observe white herons and flamingos along the way.
15. Ovos Moles
In addition to the delicious seafood sourced directly from the lagoon, Aveiro is renowned for a confection known as ovos moles (meaning “soft eggs”), composed simply of egg yolks and sugar.
Traditionally crafted by nuns at Aveiro’s historic convents (who were often gifted eggs by upcoming brides), the recipes were passed down to the local populace following the closure of these religious establishments.
Reflecting the region’s abundant marine life, the ovos moles are shaped by hand to resemble clam and whelk shells.
