Coimbra, Portugal old city oldest University
Coimbra, Portugal: Old City: Discover the Oldest University in Europe
Coimbra, Portugal: the oldest University
Where is Coimbra?
Coimbra is in central Portugal.
Important facts about Coimbra
Between 1139 and 1385, Coimbra served as the capital of Portugal. This was during the time of the Knights Templar.
During the Portuguese 1st Dynasty, 6 Monarchs were born in Coimbra
Coimbra is the 4th largest city in Portugal
There are great day trips to plan if you stay in Coimbra
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 in 1544
The students still wear long black capes and colored ribbons that represent their major
Coimbra is worth the stay
Old City Coimbra Coimbra Portugal 
Coimbra City Portugal Coimbra streets Church Coimbra portugal Coimbra Coimbra Coimbra 
Coimbra Portugal Coimbra Portugal Coimbra Coimbra Portugal Coimbra Coimbra Coimbra Coimbra Coimbra Coimbra sign marker Church Coimbra streets of Coimbra Portugal Portugal Coimbra
What are the attractions in Coimbra besides the University?
The Monastery Church of Santa Clara was founded in 1131. Diogo de Boutaca made the hall and the base of the church 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 Nicolau 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 Cathedral was built with a Roman theme
We absolutely enjoy walking around Coimbra and window shopping.
Coimbra, Portugal, an old city, the oldest University
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.
coimbra festa hill top stone chair Coimbra
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)
My advice: My Opinion: My Thoughts:
Answer these questions, then plan the trip to Portugal
What are your interests?
Do you want to visit museums, castles, churches, palaces?
Do you want downtime?
How many people are in your group?
Are you with a family/ kids?
When are you going?
Do you like the beach?
What are your interests?
If you enjoy history, then visit Tomar, Coimbra, Obidos, Lisbon, Porto, Sintra
If you prefer the beach and pool, then go to Cascais, Albufeira, Algarve, Lagos
Are you capable of planning your own itinerary?
If you hope to see things like a local, hire a local guide, not from a generic website
Do you want to visit museums, castles, churches, palaces?
The best church is Fatima
Best castles are in Tomar, Montemor-o-Velho, Sintra, Mafra
Best Museums are World of Discoveries in Porto, Jeronimos Monastery, Caramulo car museum
Do you want downtime?
Walk the streets of Coimbra or Porto. Take a stroll. Stop at a cafe and have a pastry. Go to a fluvial (river beach)
Take a long train ride in Porto
How many people are in your group?
If you rent a car, make sure you have seatbelts for all passengers.
We prefer to keep our group size small
Larger groups can rent a van or use public transporation
Are you traveling with small children?
Coimbra has a child-friendly museum village to visit
Lisbon Aquarium is child-centered
Algarve kayak excursion
Dolphin watching Lisbon
Ericeira surf lesson family friendly
Scenic train tour Porto
Do you want to visit the tourist spots or local places?
When are you visiting Portugal?
January, Feb, March can be rainy and chilly
December is colorful but cold
Algarve is best from April- October, but the ocean water is cool
July and August are hot and perfect beach days but can be busy with tourists (no A/C in most areas of Portugal)
History buffs should visit Portugal in October when the weather is perfect for walking castles, palaces, and aqueducts.
Do you want to pick grapes and make wine? Go in September
Do you want to pick olives? Go to Portugal in November
Religious visitors should go to Fatima on the 13th of the month from May to October.
Easter is an amazing holiday to experience, especially in central Portugal where farmers and villages continue traditions from 100's of years ago.
Coimbra, Portugal: old city, oldest University
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
Coimbra
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, an 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 have been founded by Roman soldiers in 138 BC during the conquest of Gallaecia. In 468, the city was raised to the ground by Swabians (Germanic people) and eventually became what is now Coimbra.
When to visit Portugal?
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Cascais
Setubal
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