Rua do Tenente Rezende in Aveiro is named after Francisco António Rezende, born in Aveiro in 1870, who served as a lieutenant in the Portuguese cavalry. As an officer, he was known for his dedication and valor, which earned him a place in Aveiro’s local history. The street lies in the heart of the Beira Mar district, an area historically inhabited by the working class and closely tied to the city’s salt and fishing industries.
One notable building on Rua do Tenente Rezende is the Pensão Ferro at number 30, designed in 1909 by the architect Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha. Built initially as a residence and workshop for Manuel Ferreira’s metalworking company, the building is an example of Aveiro’s Art Nouveau movement, featuring intricate ironwork, floral motifs, and green azulejo tiles, which became popular in early 20th-century Portuguese architecture. Today, it functions as a guesthouse and restaurant, preserving its architectural heritage while adapting to modern use.
This street captures the spirit of Aveiro’s past, blending its military history with the city’s rich architectural traditions and its role as a home to craftsmen and traders essential to Aveiro’s economy.
Join us for a three-hour walking tour through Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque canals and traditional moliceiro boats. We’ll begin in the Beira Mar district, exploring narrow streets with colorful tiled facades and Art Nouveau architecture, and hear tales of Aveiro’s history as a center for salt production and fishing.
As we stroll along the historic Rua de Coimbra, you’ll discover the story behind Aveiro’s famous ovos moles—creamy custard treats wrapped in rice paper—and other local pastries. We’ll make a stop at a popular shopping center for a modern taste of the city before crossing Aveiro’s iconic pedestrian bridges, like the colorful Ponte do Laço, which offer stunning canal views. The route will lead us to Praça do Peixe, a lively square where traditional and contemporary Aveiro meet, rounding off the journey with a true sense of this charming city’s history and flavors.
