On the busy square near Nossa Senhora da Apresentação, a symbolic monument honors the salt workers who played a crucial role in Aveiro's history. Before the Iberian Union, during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, Aveiro flourished as one of the most important salt production centers in Portugal. The salt pans surrounding the city supplied vast quantities of salt, making Aveiro a cornerstone in the preservation of fish, particularly bacalhau (cod), which became essential for long sea voyages.
During this period, bacalhau gained immense importance as Portuguese sailors explored new territories. Salt was vital for preserving this fish, ensuring it could be transported over long distances, both for consumption during voyages and for export across Europe. Bacalhau became a staple of the Portuguese diet, and Aveiro’s salt industry thrived as the city exported large quantities of both salt and fish to various regions.
The salt industry supported much of the city's population, creating employment and driving economic prosperity. Aveiro’s port was bustling with activity, with salt exports playing a major role in both local and international trade, securing the city’s importance in the expanding Portuguese empire.
The influential Almeida family, the Dukes of Aveiro, played a pivotal role in the organization and oversight of the salt industry. As patrons of the city’s economy, they owned extensive lands around Aveiro and ensured the efficient production and export of salt, contributing to the city's prosperity.
This period of flourishing salt production, intertwined with the Portuguese maritime expansion, solidified Aveiro’s status as a vital economic hub. The city's success was built on the back of the thriving salt trade, and the enduring presence of bacalhau as an export staple underscored the importance of this industry during the Age of Exploration.
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.
