Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Leiria > Nazaré > Nazaré
The Seca do Peixe is located on the sandy beach of Nazaré, positioned further south. This area, by the ocean, integrates into the village's coastal landscape, allowing visitors to observe a unique facet of the local fishing routine in an authentic and traditional environment.
This ancient practice of drying fish in the sun, an emblematic image of Nazaré's identity, has deep roots in the community's history. Its origin dates back to the need to preserve food, ensuring families' subsistence and facilitating the commercial exchange of fish in regional markets, in times when preservation was essential.
The fish drying process takes place outdoors, benefiting from sun exposure and the sea breeze. Species such as horse mackerel, sardines, picarel, dogfish, and octopus are laid out on the traditional drying racks, creating a unique and distinctive image on the beach. This method, which has endured over time, is a demonstration of a simple and effective conservation technique.
More than a conservation technique, the Seca do Peixe is regarded as a living museum, where Nazaré's fishing traditions are kept active and visible. At this location, it is possible to observe stages of the fish preparation process and, at times, interact with the local women who dedicate their work to this practice, ensuring the continuity of a unique savoir-faire and the preservation of an important cultural legacy for future generations.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.5957078,-9.0725864
Coordinates DMS: 39°35'44.5"N 09°04'21.3"W