Aveiro Overview

By Christopher Minster

Aveiro is another city with a long history: the Romans called it “Aviarium,” which means “aviary.” Often referred to as “Portugal’s Venice,” it is known for its canals and waterways. While there, check out the 15^th century Convento de Jesús, which has been converted into the city museum.

The convent contains the remains of Joana, a daughter of King Afonso V. Joana always wanted to be a nun, and at the end of her life she succeeded: she died in the convent. The locals asked her for miracles, and in 1693 she was beatified by Pope Innocent XII, and although she has never made that final leap to sainthood, the Portuguese consider that a minor detail and refer to her as Santa Joana Princesa.

Be sure to look for the BUGA stands: these are actually bikes which can be rented for one Euro: sort of like a luggage cart at the airport, just put in the coin and the machine will release the bike, which can be returned at any other BUGA stand!  Using the bicycles is a good way to see this interesting, flat city. You even get your Euro back! Aveiro is actively trying to entice more of its residents to use bicycles, and there are very good bicycle routes clearly marked throughout the city.