The Evocative Monument to the Memory of the Dead of Aveiro in the Great War commemorates the sacrifices of local soldiers who perished during World War I (1914-1918). Designed by architects Manuel Marques and Amoroso Lopes and sculpted by Souza Caldas, this modernist structure was inaugurated in April 1934, shortly after the completion of Dr. Lourenço Peixinho Avenue. Constructed from granite, limestone, and bronze, it features a pedestal adorned with the city’s coat of arms and is crowned by a soldier in a sniper stance, symbolizing valor. The monument’s relocation in 2021, prompted by a revitalization project on the avenue, brought it to a nearby square, where it continues to host commemorations and military tributes. Inside, two time capsules—one from 1933 and another from 2021—pay homage to those who served and ensure that their legacy endures for future generations.
Portugal’s involvement in WWI was driven by the need to safeguard its colonial interests amid rising European tensions. Initially neutral, Portugal entered the war in 1916 due to German hostilities impacting its maritime and colonial assets. The public’s support for the war was limited, yet nearly 100,000 Portuguese soldiers fought in challenging conditions, especially on the Western Front. The heavy toll and complex motivations behind Portugal’s participation left a mark on its national psyche, influencing the country’s approach to global conflicts. By World War II, under António de Oliveira Salazar, Portugal adopted a stance of neutrality, avoiding direct involvement and minimizing wartime impacts.
This Aveiro monument not only honors local soldiers but also reflects Portugal’s fraught engagement with WWI and the enduring lessons that shaped its approach to later conflicts, embodying a narrative of sacrifice, memory, and national reflection.
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.
