Forum Aveiro is a unique open-air shopping center located in the heart of Aveiro, on Rua do Batalhão dos Caçadores. The concept was envisioned in the late 1990s by Portuguese architect João Álvaro Rocha, who aimed to create a space that harmoniously blended modern amenities with the city’s traditional architecture. Completed in 1998, Forum Aveiro became a model of how commercial spaces can be integrated into historic city centers without compromising urban aesthetics.
The architecture of Forum Aveiro stands out for its attention to detail and respect for local traditions. It incorporates regional elements, such as terracotta tiles and azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles), helping the center blend seamlessly with the surrounding 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.
