Forum Aveiro, established in 1998, was the brainchild of architect João Álvaro Rocha, born in 1959 in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Rocha, renowned for his contributions to public and social housing projects, aimed to create a space that embodied Aveiro’s unique character rather than merely a commercial hub. His design for Forum Aveiro emphasized harmony with the city’s aesthetic and natural surroundings, blending terracotta and azulejos to echo local traditions, all within an innovative open-air layout. The project won acclaim, including the MIPIM award for best European shopping center in 1999.
However, Rocha’s vision eventually gave way to the economic pressures of globalization, transforming Forum Aveiro into a typical shopping destination dominated by international brands such as Zara and Fnac. For many locals, the center’s pricing aligns with European standards, which feels distant from regional affordability, underscoring the costs of modern commercial influence on local economies. Rocha, who passed away in 2014, likely never anticipated that his architectural endeavor would evolve into a conventional retail space, a reminder of the complex forces shaping urban development today.
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.
