Aveiro was a vibrant coastal port until the mid 1500s when the river mouth silted up and it turned into swamp and a lagoon, more than 40 km long. At the beginning of the 19th century canals were dug to open the town and drain the marshes. The main industries now are aquaculture, salt production and tourists, attracted by the canals, colourful houses and the colourful flat bottomed boats, the Moliceiros.
Moliceiros - were originally used to harvest sea weed. Length 15m x width 2.5m. Made of pine, are flat bottomed and were originally propelled by sail or pole. The sea weed (originally just sludge from the bottom of the marsh) was used as fertiliser for the fields.
Houses - many of houses are one room wide - originally belonged to boat-handlers or workers in the salt pans. The highest collection of tiled houses we have seen in one place.
The Green House - this was one of the first houses we saw - across the canal from the camp area - we amazed at the nautical detail
The town area including one of the churches.
Salt Pans
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