The Praça Marquês de Pombal in Aveiro is named in honor of Marquês de Pombal, the influential statesman Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, who elevated Aveiro to city status in 1759. His economic reforms and dedication to modernizing Portugal, especially after the devastating 1755 earthquake, were transformative. Although his direct work focused on Lisbon, Pombal’s influence extended to Aveiro, where his policies aimed to enhance urban growth and regional significance.
Initially a small, crowded area, the square was transformed over the 20th century into a spacious plaza, now surrounded by significant structures, including the Aveiro Tribunal and other administrative buildings. After the proclamation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910, the square was officially named to honor Pombal’s legacy in reshaping Portuguese urban spaces and economic infrastructure. Today, it remains a central gathering place, hosting cultural events and public activities that celebrate Aveiro’s vibrant heritage.
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.
