Coimbra is an ancient Portuguese city steeped in history and characterised by its distinct culture and personality. For centuries, this remarkable town has remained an integral part of Portuguese national identity, with its traditional festivals, historic towers, and universities. Even though the earthquake of 1755 caused a lot of damage, Coimbra could recover and grow. It has many monuments and architectural treasures built between the 12th and 20th centuries. Every year, many people come to this area to see a different side of Portugal and to see its beautiful natural scenery and historic sites. It is known as "the city of students" because it has the oldest university in Portugal and is one of the oldest in Europe. 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 Botanical Garden of Coimbra
They established the Botanical Garden of Coimbra in 1773 with the goal of supporting the study of Natural History and medicine at the University of Coimbra. The land was donated by Benedictine friars, and the project was led by Marquês de Pombal, with Italians Domingos Vandelli and Dalla Bella taking charge of the construction. Later, Portuguese botanists like Félix Avelar Brotero, Júlio Henriques, and Luís Carrisso played important roles in its development.
With a total area of 13.5 hectares, the Coimbra Botanical Garden is a renowned garden with many levels and avenues. The garden is renowned for its extensive collection of international plants, and two-thirds of it is a forested area with exotic trees and a bamboo grove. Félix Avelar Brotero, Júlio Henriques, and Luís Carrisso, three Portuguese botanists, each have a monument in their honour. The Estufa Grande, a sizable greenhouse built in 1859 and recently renovated by architect João Mendes Ribeiro, is another feature of the garden. It was created by Pezarat. Another noteworthy feature is the Cold Stove, a structure constructed in the 1950s that houses vegetation adapted to humid and shaded environments and displays a sculpture of a naked woman called “Botânica” as a tribute to the study of plants.
The Palace of Sub-Ribas
Joanine Library
The Joanina Library is a baroque library located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable libraries in the world, with its richly decorated rooms and an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts. The library’s interior is noted for its ornate decoration and gilded ceilings. The library’s collections focus on philosophy, theology, law, and medicine and include a large number of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages.
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.
Here are a few more things to see and do in Coimbra:
- Igreja de Santa Cruz – A beautiful church with an ornate interior, located in the center of the city.
- Bairro Alto de Coimbra – A historic neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional houses, perfect for a stroll.
- Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha – An old convent on the banks of the Mondego River, now a museum showcasing the city’s medieval history.
- Torre de Anto – A tower with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
- Paço das Escolas – The Palace of the Schools, a grand baroque building that houses the University’s main administration.
- Mercado Municipal – A traditional indoor market selling local food and goods, perfect for trying Portuguese cuisine.
- Fado ao Centro – A fado music venue, showcasing the traditional music of Portugal.
- Estádio Cidade de Coimbra – The city’s soccer stadium, home to Associação Académica de Coimbra – O.A.F.
- Parque da Mantegada – A scenic park with walking trails and a large pond, perfect for a picnic or a scenic walk.
Coimbra is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
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.
