The seaweed is formed by aquatic plants that form in the submerged bed of the lagoon and it was used as a fertilizer on agricultural land margins. Applying this method, farmers turned sandy soils fertile and very productive land.

The moliceiros, whose construction technique is specific, are now tourist attraction of Ria with its colors and decorations suggestive and unique, perform the carriage of passengers on tours by the navigable channels of the lagoon.

According to documentary sources, was founded in the first half of the tenth century, as a small monastery inhabited by a religious community under the invocation of St. Benedict of Nursia.

Couto received the letter in the twelfth century, a period that defined the character of this central monastery in the political and administrative life of the region. Since 1154 became inhabited only by religious.

Its importance reinvigorated with the patronage of Blessed Mafalda of Portugal, ephemeral Queen of Castile, who lived here between 1220 and 1256. Sancho I of Portugal and daughter Dulce of Aragon in 1215 was celebrated the marriage of his contract with Henry of Castile. Before the deceased, however, with 13 years Mafalda returned to Portugal without the marriage had finished, but with the title of queen. His father gave him the Arouca Monastery. Mafalda died on May 1, 1256, and is buried in Arouca.

For these two reasons, and also for local and regional tradition in the production and ceramic painting, it is not surprising that many aspects included in the buildings of the beginning of this century, sometimes combined with influences from other architectural and artistic styles.

The most common Art New elements found on the site are the use of tiles (especially since, in the region, having implemented several factories, even during the nineteenth century), applied in many different ways, wrought iron present at the gates, balconies and windows, the use of wood (interiors of buildings and windows) and also colored glasses.

What makes relevant the Art Nouveau style in this area O built the set and the details of implementation in a significant number of buildings, in various forms, is to be found various architectural styles in one building.

The two villas Papoila (Poppy) (consecutive: Magano and Cruz), are two fine examples of Art Nouveau with tiles application.

Where in Ílhavo

Rua de Camões with Avenida 25 de Abril

Rua de Santo António, 19 and 64

Rua de Santo António (nº 19) – Vila Africana, It is classified as a cultural heritage building and is beautiful the whole building and the walls. Wrought iron, tile gables, sculptural works carved on the facade and the walls, the staircase and the colors used, everything fits in a set that is both Art Nouveau but also exemplary in its variant of this region.