Aveiro (Portugal) was once a great seaport with a history linked to its salt pans dating back prior to 959 AD. In the 16th Century it acquired new prosperity through its cod fishing industry.
Today the area is an industrial centre. However, the old lagoon of about 65 km² still has its charm with the many canals and the distinctive and interesting “moliceiros” boats that are used to collect seaweed. The town with its 55.000 inhabitants is basically a mixture of neat fishermen’s cottages and Art Nouveau townhouses with a few historic buildings. The small houses lining the beach area (Costa Nova) are most attractive on the eye with their distinct colourful facades of different painted colours. The church of Misericórdia dates from the 16th Century, whilst the Cathedral São Domingos is from the 15th Century. 

The Aveiro University is a Portuguese public university created in 1973. It has a variety of very active Research units and I have a fruitful scientific collaboration with the Nanotechnology Research Division.

All images © Riccardo Polini