Aveiro is known in Portugal for its traditional sweets, the ovos-moles and the trouxas de ovos, both made from eggs. It is sometimes called "The Portuguese Venice" because of its canals and boats that remind one of the Italian city of Venice. As the city faced similar problems when it tried to conquer the water. Once a great sea port, this calm city is known for the charms of its canals and, especially, the 'ria', a lagoon which links Aveiro to the sea. Also famous for its moliceiros - typical fishing boats with gaily painted prows - Aveiro was once a busy and prosperous port town several centuries ago.