By tourist on June 6, 2015
Coimbra, Religious tourism

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra, Sé Velha de Coimbra is one of the most important Romanesque Roman Catholic buildings in Portugal. Construction of the Sé Velha began some time after the Battle of Ourique (1139), when Count Afonso Henriques declared himself King of Portugal and chose Coimbra as capital. The first Count of Coimbra, the Mozarab Sisnando Davides, is buried in the cathedral. Coimbra (the Roman Aeminium) is the seat of a bishopric since […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
Coimbra, Religious tourism

The New Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Nova de Coimbra) or the Cathedral of the Holy name of Jesus is the current bishopric seat of the city ofCoimbra, in Portugal. The Cathedral is located near the historical University of Coimbra in the upper part of the town (Alta de Coimbra). The New Cathedral was, originally, the church of the Jesuit Formation house of Coimbra, established in the […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
Activities, Coimbra, Go, Heritage tourism, See

This old house situated at the confluence of the street rua Sargento-Mor, da rua dos Gatos e Adro de Cima, is of the oldest houses of Coimbra. It is a feature of medieval house with rebounds uneven wooden floors in the main facade. The walls are “half-timbered” and the windows have jambs painted wood. It […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
About Coimbra, Cultural tourism, Heritage tourism

Arch and Almedina Tower Built on the Almedina Arch, the Tower had the duty watch and defend the main access door to the interior of the wall. During the Arab occupation of the city, the walls stretched over two kilometers and are a powerful defensive system in which included the Tower and the Arch […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
About Coimbra, University of Coimbra

In the 15th and 16th centuries, during the Age of Discovery, Coimbra was again one of the main artistic centres of Portugal thanks to both local and royal patronage. Coimbrabishops, religious orders and King Manuel I supported artists like Diogo Pires (father and son), Marcos Pires, João de Castilho, Diogo de Castilho and the Frenchmen, João de Ruão and Nicholas of Chanterene, among others, […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
University of Coimbra

The Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina) is the Baroque library of the University of Coimbra, built in the 18th century during the reign of the Portuguese King João V (and named after him). It is located in upper Coimbra, the university historic centre, near the university tower, and is part of University of Coimbra General Library. Its construction began in 1717, outside the primitive Islamic perimeter of the former […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
Students in Coimbra

The Ribbon Burning festivities are the big yearly celebration for the students and townspeople as well. The festivities run for a full week in May beginning with the traditional nighttime fado serenade in the square of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra. The square is packed with students in their black capes and according to the ritual, studies are […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
About Coimbra, Students in Coimbra

Coimbra’s Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons), the oldest and most famous in the country, is organized by a students’ commission formed by members of the students’ union of the University of Coimbra, the Associação Académica de Coimbra. Celebrating the end of graduation courses, symbolized by the ritual burning of the ribbons representing each faculty, it takes […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
Students in Coimbra

Students are represented by the students’ union Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC). Formed on 3 November 1887, it is the oldest university students’ union in Portugal, with a long history of struggle against unpopular state policies, forming notable politicians and intellectuals along the way. It also harbours a very dynamic associative life, with its numerous sports and […]
By tourist on June 6, 2015
About Coimbra, University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra (UC; Portuguese: Universidade de Coimbra) is a Portuguese public university in Coimbra. Established in 1290 in Lisbon, it went through a number of relocations until it was moved permanently to its current city in 1537, being one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, the oldest university of Portugal, and one of its largest higher education and research institutions. It is organized into eight […]