Praça da República

The Praça da República, in Aveiro

The Praça da República is the historic heart of Aveiro, a square with a calçada portuguesa floor surrounded by fine buildings. The Aveiro audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this animated square lined with the town hall with its bell tower, of Pombaline style, raised around 1797 on the site of the former prison, witness of the improvements brought to the city when it was raised to the rank of city.

History

In immediate proximity to the canals and well situated in the historic heart of Aveiro, the Praça da República sees locals and tourists pass on its calçada portuguesa floor, this traditional mosaic of black and white cobblestones. But to reduce it to a simple place of passage would be a pity, so much the buildings that surround it deserve to be stopped at. The town hall, recognisable by its bell tower and its flags, was built around 1797, within the framework of the numerous improvements that Aveiro benefited from after its elevation to the rank of city; before it, it was the municipal prison that occupied the land. The building sports a Pombaline style on vast dimensions, this Portuguese architectural style named in reference to the Marquis of Pombal, the politician who, during the reconstruction of Lisbon after the terrible earthquake of 1755, imposed it in the new plans for its efficiency and its low cost, hence its rather sober appearance. Right beside the town hall is a charming church, and the square, animated all year round, hosts notably the Festival of the Canals.

What to see

Here you discover the historic heart of Aveiro, a square with a calçada portuguesa floor of black and white cobblestones, animated all year round; it is dominated by the town hall of Pombaline style, raised around 1797 on the site of the former prison, and lined with a charming church. The Praça da República is the lively centre of Aveiro. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Praça da República lies in the heart of the historic centre of Aveiro, near the canals, reachable on foot. It is a square in free access, lined with the town hall and a church, particularly animated during the festivals. You discover it during a walk.

What is the Pombaline style of the town hall of Aveiro?

It is a sober Portuguese architectural style, named in reference to the Marquis of Pombal, who imposed it during the reconstruction of Lisbon after the earthquake of 1755, for its efficiency and its low cost; the town hall of Aveiro, raised around 1797 on the site of the former prison, is a fine example of it on the Praça da República.

Where is the Praça da República in Aveiro?

In the heart of the historic centre of Aveiro, near the canals, in Portugal.