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Where is Coimbra?
Coimbra is in central Portugal.
Important facts about Coimbra
Between 1139- 1385, Coimbra served as the capital of Portugal. This was during the time of the Knights of the Templars.
During the Portuguese 1st Dynasty, 6 Monarchs were born in Coimbra
Coimbra is the 4th largest city in Portugal
The location of Coimbra is 185 KM northeast of Lisbon
The University is one of the oldest universities in Europe
The University was founded in 1290 in Lisbon and relocated to Coimbra in 1308 for 30 years then back to Lisbon until 1537. King John 111 transferred the campus to Coimbra 1544
The students still wear long black capes and colored ribbons that represent their major
What are the attractions in Coimbra besides the University?
The Monastery Church of Santa Clara was founded in 1131. The hall and the base of the church were made by Diogo de Boutaca in the 16th Century. Tombs of Kings Alfonso Henriques and Sancho 1 complete with statues made by Nicolau de Chanterenne. The pulpit was built by Nicholau in 1521. Open most days Monday- Saturday 11:30 am- 4:30 pm
Coimbra has one of the oldest botanical gardens in Portugal
Built by the Romans, St. Velha was the first Cathedral built in the middle of the old city of Coimbra
In 1772, St Nova cathedra was built with a Roman theme
We absolutely enjoy walking around Coimbra and window shopping.
Coimbra University
There is a large courtyard (Patio das Escolas) with incredible architecture and views. In 1290, King Dinis of Portugal asked Pope Nicholas IV to recognize the foundation of the University with majors including The Arts, Canon Law, Civil Law, and Medicine. Initially, the University was located in Lisbon but eventually was moved to Coimbra to be closer to 'Cathedral schools' established by Ferdinand of Leon and 'The Monastery of Santa Cruz' established in 1131 by the first king of Portugal. The most famous student at Santa Cruz was Fernando Martin de Bulhoes, the future Saint Anthony of Lisbon aka St. Anthony of Padua. Teachers from other European countries flocked to Coimbra to study and work.
Burger King take out window
Burger King delivery driver
Best Turismo in the country
friendly staff
lots of handouts in various languages
lots of free materials
spacious store
lots of posters advertising events in the area
at the end of the bridge (Ponte de Santa Clara)
What is there to do in Coimbra?
Notable places to visit:
Portugal dos Pequenitos (little house for kids to tour- replicas of important buildings in Portugal)
Old Cathedral
Coimbra University
Celas Monastery
Coimbra Living Science Center
Sister Lucia's memorial
Our Lady of Grace Church
Which hotels are available in Coimbra?
5 star hotel
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas www.quintaslagrimas.pt
351 239 802 380
4 star hotel
Hotel Apartamento Tryp Coimbra
351 239 480 800
4 star hotel
Tivoli Coimbra City Center Hotel
351 239 858 300
Are there tuk tuk tours in Coimbra?
Enjoy a ride on the side streets
Sites to See Near Coimbra
Conimbriga
The ruins are 16 KM southwest of Coimbra. The ruins show the most important and oldest archaeological site in Portugal. Incredible items have been located on this site including mosaics, remains of thermal baths, amphitheater, two forums (shopping area), houses, and a temple. Some smaller items are on display in a museum adjoining the ruins including pottery, coins, and sculptures. This area is believed to be founded by Roman soldiers in 138 BC during the conquer of Gallaeci. In 468, the city was raised to the ground by Swabians (Germanic people) and eventually to what is now Coimbra.
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