Aveiro is home to a remarkable number of Art Nouveau buildings, and it stands out for its joyful, colorful ambiance. This may be due to its relaxed pace or the cheerful moliceiro boats floating in the canals, adding a vibrant touch to the city. The elegant houses also invite closer inspection.
Let’s take a stroll through Aveiro’s Art Nouveau treasures! We’ve created a 5 km walking itinerary that showcases the 20 most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the city center, along with some scenic spots. You can find our detailed Google Maps guide at the end of the article. Below, we’ve listed our top 20 buildings, starting with the most stunning.
In 1909, architect Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha designed a house for Major Pessoa that received widespread praise. Now housing the Museu de Arte Nova, this building lets you explore its Art Nouveau details inside. Stop by the tea room in the back or sit in the courtyard to enjoy some local Ovos Moles sweets while admiring the intricate azulejos and ironwork.
The Former Agricultural Cooperative, completed in 1913 by Silva Rocha, is another gem with a facade covered in hand-painted azulejos featuring lilies in pink, orange, and red. The iron balcony work and window mullions are also worth noting for their craftsmanship.
José de Pinho, a local painter, designed a house in 1910 for his daughter that now serves as a restaurant for Hotel As Americas. Despite its modern surroundings, the house remains a charming example of Art Nouveau.
One eye-catching building by the canal features a nautical theme with anchor-like window designs and ornamentation intertwined with stylized seaweed, making it a delightful sight.
Another picturesque house along the main waterfront was completed in 1923 by José de Pinho. Its “Japanese arch” gable window and “Mackintosh style” framing add to its unique charm, along with its floral ironwork.
A two-story corner building from 1914 boasts beautiful azulejos from the famed Fábrica da Fonte Nova. You can grab a coffee at the “Património Caffé” nearby and enjoy the view of this architectural beauty.
Across from the caffé is the “Antiga Sapataria Leitão,” whose 1927 tiles are worth admiring, even if it stretches the definition of Art Nouveau.
João A. Machado’s 1918 mansion, adorned with floral stonework and azulejos, may not quite be a palace, but it certainly has a regal feel.
The “Quatro Estações” house, named for its four large tiles depicting the seasons, is architecturally simple but richly decorated.
Architect Silva Rocha’s 1904 residence stands out with its rich yellow color and exotic palm tree leaf details. The blue azulejos and elegant ironwork on the balcony add to its appeal.
A former shoe store from 1918 features dramatic window decorations, especially on the side facing the pedestrian street. The other side is more subtle but equally decorative.
Another of Silva Rocha’s works from 1910 is notable for its intricately preserved interior, though you can only admire the exterior without an invite.
A strikingly red building from 1915, now the Museu da Cidade, stands out in a set of Art Nouveau houses. The iron palm leaves and unique shapes add to its charm.
A 1907 collaboration between architects Ernesto Korrodi and Silva Rocha, this building needs restoration but still showcases vibrant tiles and lovely ironwork.
The “Lilies Building” from 1912 is more about its beautiful azulejos by Licínio Pinto than its architecture.
An oddity with “Honour” and “Labour” inscribed outside—a nod to its origins as a metal workshop designed by Silva Rocha in 1909—still looks pristine today.
A 1905 bandstand with ironwork featuring musical motifs is also part of Aveiro’s Art Nouveau heritage.
A former pharmacy from around 1920 is worth a visit for some local treats, even if the pharmacy is long gone.
Lastly, a house from 1929 has been meticulously renovated to its original sharp look.
Enjoy your Art Nouveau walk through Aveiro!
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