AVEIRO

capital and port, Aveiro district, northwestern Portugal, on a lagoon at the mouth of the Rio Vouga, south of Porto. During the 16th century it was a port for Newfoundland (Grand Bank) cod-fishing fleets but declined after 1575 when sand blocked its lagoon. Aveiro (the Roman Talabriga) became a city in 1759 and an episcopal see in 1774. In 1808 it was linked by canal (Barra Nova) to the Atlantic; its facilities were improved in 1933, but Aveiro remained basically a fishing port for tuna, mackerel, sardines, whiting, pargo, and sea bream. Industries produce footwear, furniture, and tomato paste. Salt is extracted from the lagoon, which has been partly diked and reclaimed for agriculture. The Convento de Jesus, now a regional museum, contains medieval art treasures, including spectacular examples of Portuguese woodworking (talhadourada). The Universidade de Aveiro (1973) is located there. The district has an area of 1,046 sq mi (2,708 sq km). It produces agricultural products, wine, salt, and pine lumber. Coal and lead are mined in the area. Pop. (1981) city, 29,646; (1990 est.) district, 674,400.