Rua dos Marnotos in Aveiro is named after the marnotos, or salt workers, who harvested salt from the “marinhas” (salt marshes) surrounding the city. This street reflects an essential part of Aveiro’s history, as salt was a primary source of income for the region from ancient times. Beginning in the Roman era and continuing through the Middle Ages, salt production sustained the local economy and played a key role in the city’s development.
Many of the buildings on Rua dos Marnotos feature architectural details that nod to the traditions and culture of salt harvesting. The façades, often decorated with geometric azulejos, echo the meticulous and repetitive work of the marnotos. Saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean would fill the marshes, where it slowly evaporated, leaving behind salt—a process requiring both physical labor and an understanding of natural cycles, lending respect and significance to the salt workers’ profession.
Today, Rua dos Marnotos is a historic street that preserves the spirit of Aveiro’s past, standing resilient amidst the modern structures and renovations around it.
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.
