Ílhavo and the Gadus morhua History

Our first stop will be at Ílhavo Maritime Museum which is a true icon of contemporary architecture, twice renewed. designed by the prestigious Portuguese architects Nuno Mateus and José Mateus and that was also nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2002, amongst other international architecture prizes. This amazing museum is one of the most visited museums in the region of Centro de Portugal.

Ílhavo Maritime Museum tells the story of high sea fishing in the Newfoundland and in Greenland, as well as in the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. The Seas Room presents an interesting collection of nautical instruments and miniatures of ancient boats ending on the Codfish Aquarium, so that everyone can really meet the living precious Cod.

Time to move on and view the point where the sea meets the river, and all begins. Barra, and its magnificent lighthouse, 62 meters high, the tallest in Portugal and one of the world’s taller lighthouses. After admiring and learning the Barra lighthouse and Ria de Aveiro lagoon history, off we go, to meet the beautiful colorful houses haystacks at Costa Nova do Prado.

Now it is time for lunch in a nice typical restaurant, we hope you enjoy your meal!

After lunch, we will visit the Museum Ship Santo André that is moored at Jardim Oudinot. This fishing trawler is part of the Portuguese codfish fishing fleet and it was built in 1948 in Holland. This 71,40 m long fishing trawler was totally renewed and converted in a museum thanks to the commitment of the ship owner and the Municipality of Ílhavo. It is nowadays a landmark of the city region!

Our last stop will be at Porto Bacalhoeiro (Codfish Harbor), a landmark of Ílhavo history and berth of Gafanha da Nazaré. In this important fishing harbor we will have the opportunity to see some of the fishing vessels and learn about their great sea history.