Aveiro with a population (in 2011) of 78,450, is the second most populous city in the Centro Region of Portugal, after Coimbra. However, the city of Aveiro together with neighbouring Ílhavo, has a population of about 120,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most important by population density in the Centro Region.
The city dates back at least to the 10th century when it was known by its Latin name of Alavarium et Salinas, literally, "a gathering place of birds and of great salt." The Moors held Aveiro until the 11th century, after which it became popular with Portuguese royalty.
The Princess St. Joana, daughter of Afonso V lived in the Aveiro's Convent until her death in May 1490. In the winter of 1575, a terrible storm closed the entrance to its port, ending a thriving trade in metals and tiles. The same storm also created a reef barrier at the Atlantic Ocean. Aveiro is also known as "The Portuguese Venice", due to its system of canals and boats similar to the Italian city of Venice. This time we went for a ride on the Moliceiros and we include some photos of the canals of Aveiro.
The famous Portuguese singer and composer Zeca Afonso was born in Aveiro. His song Grândola Vila Morena was used to trigger the revolution in 25th of April 1974. As a kid he lived in Silva Porto, Angola (now Kuito) the city where I was born.
Aveiro is known in Portugal for its traditional egg made sweets, Ovos Moles de Aveiro, Trouxas de Ovos, and as usualy we gorged on them. Attractions near Aveiro include the Ílhavo ceramica de Vista Alegre one of the most famous in Portugal. We have the classic dinner set from Vista Alegre given to us as a wedding present. When we fled Angola we left behind the dinner set, but our friends Maria Manuel and Manuel Rezende brought it to Portugal and 36 years later they send it to us in Australia. We could not believe when we received it that there was not one piece broken in the set.
As usual our friends from Angola organised a reunion in Aveiro at Nelo's house and we include a series of photos of the gathering.
