History of Aveiro:
The first reference to the name Aveiro, dated January 26th 959, is documented in a donation by the Countess Mumadona Dias to Guimarães Abbey of “Sui terras in Alauario et Salinas”.
In the 18th century, Dom José I raised the town to the status of city. A century later, the people of Aveiro were active in the liberal struggles while activist José Estevão played a prominent role in defining the final location of the point of entry for the shipping port as well as in planning for the Lisbon-Porto railway line to pass through Aveiro.
The first known charter of Aveiro is Manueline dated of 4th August 1515, reported in the book “Livro de Leituras Novas de Forais da Estremadura”.
The magnificent geographical situation favoured from early stages the settlement of people. Salt making, fishing and sea trade were the main factors of development.
This work was central to the city’s dynamics, allowing it to enjoy today a top position in the country’s economic and social context.