The human occupation of this territory dates back, according to the archaeological studies carried out, to the Neolithic as some traces of this period found in the municipality. There is also evidence of communities throughout Megalytism, the Iron Age, the Roman era and the
Middle Ages. From the Middle Ages there are references, since the 10th century, to the so-called Lands of Santa Maria, which would include the territories of Avanca, Antuã, Canelas, Fermelã, Roxico, Beduído, Salreu and Veiros. In the 13th century, communities would also engage in other non-agricultural activities, such as salinferous and fishing.
The District of Estarreja is confirmed of administrative importance with the arrival of the railway, which boosts trade and changing the importance of navigation in the Ria, which had transformed Estarreja into the second salt-producing port, only surpassed by Aveiro.
The industrial era linked, in a first phase, to small local factories – with special focus on the Dairy Products Society, co-founded by Egas Moniz and acquired by Nestlé – is identified with the gradual installation of the chemical complex, one of the largest in the country. At the beginning of the millennium, the Eco Business Park, sign of the new concept of industrial and business sustainable development.
Estarreja is elevated to the city in 2005, the year the Antuã Municipal Park is created and the Cine-Teatro is reopened , affirming a cultural brand that refers to the municipality at regional and national level.
Holder of a unique natural heritage , the municipality of Estarreja has more than 500 km of riverside front sprinkled and cut by multiple stretches and streams, which give it true landscape beauty. In addition to the stifers built from the branches of the Ria, there is also a very important natural element in the municipality – the Centennial Tree, in the parish of Veiros.
Humanized lands, of a unique biodiversity and composed of numerous species of native flora and fauna, some threatened, rare and of high conservation value such as the otter, the toirão, the red heron, the sapeira eagle, among others. that the municipality offers to its inhabitants and visitors.
In a municipality where, in gastronomy, the piglet is king, there is much potential to discover and enjoy. Venture out on the kayak and discover the Ria, meet the species that seek shelter here, or take the opportunity to rest in the center of nature.
Source: Estarreja Town Hall