Coimbra, the Student City

At the region Center, about 90 minutes from Porto and 120 minutes from Lisbon, lies the City of Coimbra. This City deserves to be visited by all  it’s charm and history.

The University of Coimbra is the country’s oldest and one of the oldest in Europe. Where is Barque Library, one of the most original European libraries to Baroque.

Coimbra is situated on the hill of the River Mondego. This City is known for it’s Tuna Academica Coimbra University, The Fado of Coimbra, the Romans Ruins Conimbriga, by it’s Gardens, among others.

Coimbra is also called “Student City” or “City of Knowledge”. In 2003 was the National Capital of Culture. The Monastery of Santa Clara, was awarded of Europa Nostra award in 2010.

If you are looking for a destination that combines culture, history, and nightlife, you might want to consider Coimbra, the student city of Portugal. Coimbra is home to the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Founded in 1290, it has been a center of learning and innovation for centuries, attracting students from all over the world.

Coimbra is divided into two parts: the upper part (Alta), where you can find the university buildings and monuments, and the lower part (Baixa), where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. The contrast between these two areas gives Coimbra a unique charm and character.

Some of the highlights of Coimbra include:

– The University of Coimbra: You can visit its magnificent library (Biblioteca Joanina), its chapel (Capela de São Miguel), its museum (Museu da Ciência), and its tower (Torre da Universidade), which offers panoramic views of the city.

– The Old Cathedral (Sé Velha): This is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. It was built in the 12th century and has a fortress-like appearance.

– The New Cathedral (Sé Nova): This is a former Jesuit church that was converted into a cathedral in 1772. It has a baroque style and a richly decorated interior.

– The Monastery of Santa Cruz: This is one of the most important monuments in Coimbra. It was founded in 1131 by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. It contains his tomb as well as other royal tombs.

– The Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico): This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. It was created in 1772 by order of Marquis de Pombal, who wanted to promote scientific research. It has more than 1,200 plant species from different regions of the world.

– The Penedo da Saudade: This is a romantic spot where you can enjoy beautiful views over the city and read poems written by students on stone plaques.

Coimbra is also famous for its musical tradition called fado de Coimbra, which is a type of melancholic song performed by male singers wearing black capes. You can listen to fado de Coimbra at some cafes or cultural associations around town.

If you want to experience Coimbra’s nightlife, you can head to Praça da República, where you will find many bars and clubs frequented by students. You can also join some of their parties or events throughout the year, such as Queima das Fitas (the burning of ribbons) or Latada (the tin-can parade).

Coimbra is definitely worth visiting if you want to discover a city that has both an ancient and modern soul. Whether you are interested in studying there or just exploring its attractions, you will surely fall in love with Coimbra.