Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Glória e Vera Cruz
The Marinha da Troncalhada Ecomuseum is located in Aveiro, integrated into the Salgado Aveirense area. It is situated next to the Canal das Pirâmides, in an easily accessible area close to the city center.
Its location offers a perspective on the lagoon landscape and the canals that characterize this part of the Aveiro Lagoon, in the urban area of Glória and Vera Cruz.
This space is a traditional salt pan that remains fully active, preserving the artisanal methods of salt production that have been practiced in Aveiro for centuries. It is a core part of the City Museum dedicated to showcasing this local heritage.
The extraction of sea salt and fleur de sel, once known as "white gold" due to its economic and historical importance, continues to be done here manually, following an ancestral savoir-faire passed down through generations.
Visiting Marinha da Troncalhada allows for close observation of the daily toil associated with traditional salt harvesting. It is possible to see the wooden tools used in the work, which are chosen not to alter the purity of the salt.
During the summer months, generally between June and September, it is the season for "making salt," when the activity is most intense and the process of salt crystallization and harvesting is most visible to those visiting the site.
Beyond human activity, the ecomuseum is also a vibrant and constantly changing natural environment. The salt pan landscape, with its water mirrors reflecting the sky, offers an interesting scenery that varies throughout the day and with the seasons.
It is an important habitat for the characteristic fauna and flora of the Aveiro Lagoon. Various species of aquatic birds can be observed here, finding refuge or nesting sites, as well as plants adapted to this ecosystem, such as samphire.
The Ecomuseum stands out as a space where the tradition of saliculture is not just exhibited but continues to be practiced daily. The 'marnotos' (salt workers) who work in the salt pan are the protagonists and guardians of this cultural and intangible heritage.
Exploring this site means coming into direct contact with a fundamental part of Aveiro's history and identity, understanding the community's deep connection to the Lagoon and to salt production throughout the centuries, observing the continuity of this legacy.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6450995,-8.6620323
Coordinates DMS: 40°38'42.4"N 08°39'43.3"W
