Coimbra, a riverbank city in central Portugal and the country's previous capital, is two hours north of Lisbon and is home to a preserved medieval old town and the famous University of Coimbra. The institution is known for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower, which was built on the grounds of a former palace. The Sé Velha Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, is located in the city's old center.
The Oldest University in Portugal
While not every city necessitates a trip to a university, Coimbra’s institution, like those in Oxford and Cambridge, has a long and distinguished history. Built amid the palace complex of 1537, it features a beautiful ivory-coloured bell tower, an expansive courtyard and an intricately carved Via Latina archway. The Biblioteca Joanina, with its frescoed ceilings, dusty leather tomes, and gilded embellishments, is the library’s most striking feature. Book a walking tour to understand the significance of these historic structures.
Visit the Miniature Village
The area known as Portugal dos Pequenitos contains miniature replicas of the country’s most famous sites. It’s a fun and instructive place for kids to learn about the fundamentals of Portuguese culture. As you recognize these models of renowned houses and monuments, take photos of your favourite little constructions.
On a warm summer afternoon, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens. Relax with drinks and refreshments at the café. You can also bring a picnic basket with you.
Portugal dos Pequenitos is located near the heart of Coimbra, on the quieter western bank of the Mondego River.
Sé Velha Cathedral
Architecture enthusiasts should search out the layers of Moorish, Renaissance, Romanesque, and baroque design that has been incorporated into the spectacular Sé Velha, a fortress-like cathedral in the centre of the city that has been influenced by centuries of Coimbrans. Keep an eye out for the Porta Especiosa (beautiful door), the exquisite gothic altar within, and the interior, which is predominantly painted with Romanesque floral and natural motifs rather than the more traditional human-centred Biblical images. Take a peaceful moment to admire the central courtyard from the shade of the gothic cloisters.
Enjoy a cup of coffee in a historic church.
Take a seat at Cafe Santa Cruz, which is set within the enormous former Church of São João, which dates all the way back to 1530. While you sit in medieval-style oak chairs beneath majestic stone arches and place your order, dappled light rushes in through the exquisite stained glass over the entryway. Make sure you get the compulsory pasteis de nata (a pastry considered a national dish), as well as toasted sandwiches and the house speciality, crúzios – sugared almond pastries created by nuns. Additionally, keep an eye out for notifications about free fado music nights.
Discover unusual museums
Coimbra’s imposing temples to history, the arts, and science reflect the city’s educational heritage – the city is home to museums dedicated to everything from zoology to water supply. The Museu de Machado de Castro takes centre stage, a grand bishop’s mansion brimming with religious art, sculptures, and vintage furniture (though just as many come here for the fab view from the restaurant). Priso Academica – a two-cell prison where university students were thrown if they became too rowdy – and Brain Maze – an escape room that incorporates elements of Portuguese history into the complex tangle of puzzles you must solve to escape.
www.museumachadocastro.gov.pt
People-watch in Praça da República
The broad Praça da República, which is leafy, sprawling, and etched with a looping pattern on its paving stones, serves as a hub for students, professionals, and visitors. Sit in a canvas chair at one of the informal metal tables and sip a cup of coffee or a local beer while young cyclists zip past flower vendors and groups of laughing twentysomethings shoot the breeze late into the night. The majority of cafes offer complimentary snacks — including plates of fries and croquetas — with each drink.
Before making any vacation plans, please check the constantly changing local limitations and safety rules. It should be noted that not all sites and services are operating as usual, so check their respective websites for the most recent details.
