Category: Nature > Garden
District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Glória e Vera Cruz
The Jardim do Rossio occupies a central position in the city of Aveiro, acting as an interface between the historic urban core and the Ria landscape. It is situated on the banks of important canals, such as the Central Canal and the Pyramids Canal, offering views of the water and the surrounding dynamic environment.
This privileged location places the garden in a transition zone, where the city meets the estuary, making it an interesting vantage point for observing Aveiro's historical relationship with the Ria.
With a documented existence of at least 500 years, the Jardim do Rossio is deeply linked to the evolution of Aveiro. The area where it is now located was once part of the Ria itself, resulting from successive land reclamation projects that allowed the city to expand south and west, gaining ground from the salt marsh.
Historically, this space was vital for the activities that sustained life in Aveiro, functioning as an important quay for trade and connection to the outside world. For centuries, it was also the main stage for the Feira de Março (March Fair), an event of great local tradition.
In the 16th century, the Rossio was chosen as the site for Aveiro's first pillory, a symbol of the municipal autonomy granted by D. Manuel I's New Charter. The presence of this historical element underscores the civic and administrative importance this space assumed early in the city's history.
Beyond the pillory, the site has housed other structures over time reflecting different eras and urban functions, such as velodromes and a bullring, demonstrating its ability to adapt to the diverse needs and manifestations of community life.
Currently, the Jardim do Rossio presents itself as an inviting green area, ideal for a tranquil break. It offers shaded treed areas and grassy spaces suitable for relaxation or a leisurely stroll by the water.
The garden also features leisure infrastructures, such as a children's playground for the little ones and a small amphitheater, which complement its function as a central public space. The existing paved area is frequently used to host various initiatives.
Its proximity to the Ria's canals is a defining characteristic of the Jardim do Rossio. Its waterfront, once lined by a row of palm trees, maintains a strong visual and functional connection with the lagoon environment.
It is precisely on this bank that docks are located from which traditional boats depart, allowing visitors a direct connection to the experience of Aveiro's canals and the moliceiro boat tours, which are one of the city's hallmarks.
Thanks to its centrality and size, the Jardim do Rossio maintains its role as one of the main venues for events in the city. The paved area and other spaces are regularly used to host craft fairs, book fairs, exhibitions, and other celebrations.
The flexibility of the space allows for the setup of temporary structures, such as stages, making it a dynamic location that pulses to the rhythm of Aveiro's cultural and festive events throughout the year.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6416081,-8.656725
Coordinates DMS: 40°38'29.8"N 08°39'24.2"W
Weather Aveiro
On-duty Pharmacy Aveiro
