We are standing on Rua Domingos dos Santos Barbosa Maia, also known as Domingos Carrancho, a street that runs parallel to the main artery of Aveiro’s Vera Cruz neighborhood, Rua dos Mercadores. The very name of this street speaks to Aveiro’s history of rebirth and the fervor for liberal reforms that swept through the city in the 19th century.
Domingos Carrancho was a staunch supporter of liberalism who suffered greatly for his beliefs. In 1828, after participating in the failed liberal uprising against the absolutist rule of King Miguel I, he fled to Spain to escape persecution. It was during his time in exile that he earned the nickname "Carrancho," which refers to a bird of prey, known for its resilience and scavenging instincts—a fitting metaphor for his tenacious survival and determination to fight for his ideals.
After the liberals emerged victorious in 1834, Domingos returned to his native Aveiro. Upon his return, he became a key figure in the city's revival. Alongside José Estêvão Coelho de Magalhães, another liberal leader, Domingos worked to restore Aveiro, contributing to its infrastructural and political renewal, symbolizing the city's recovery and the triumph of liberalism.
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.
