The Museu de Aveiro, or the Aveiro Museum, is housed in the historic Convent of Jesus, a former convent dating back to the 15th century. This convent is particularly renowned for its connection to Saint Joana, a Portuguese princess who lived there in the late 1400s and is buried in a lavishly decorated tomb within the museum. The building itself is a masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque and Manueline architectural styles, featuring intricate stonework, painted tiles, and richly adorned chapels that reflect its historical and religious significance.
The museum’s collection includes religious art, sculptures, and azulejos, with a focus on pieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Highlights include the tomb of Saint Joana, elaborate gilded altarpieces, and artifacts from the convent’s original monastic life. Additionally, the museum offers exhibits on the cultural and religious heritage of Aveiro, providing insight into the region’s rich past.
The Museu de Aveiro is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Mondays. As of the latest information, admission costs approximately 4 euros for adults, with discounted rates for students and seniors. This museum offers visitors a blend of history, art, and spirituality within one of Aveiro’s most iconic buildings.
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.
