11 Best Things to do in Coimbra

  • Igreja de Santa Cruz

    Igreja de Santa Cruz - Coimbra
    Igreja de Santa Cruz
    Rei-artur CC BY-SA

    The Monastery or Church of Santa Cruz in Coimbra is rich in both architecture and history. Founded in 1131 by the canons of St Augustine the current building dates back to the 16th century and is a rich example of early Manueline styling.

  • Sé Nova

    Sé Nova de Coimbra
    Sé Nova de Coimbra
    José Luis Filpo Cabana CC BY-SA

    Sé Nova means new cathedral, but this is only relatively speaking. The cathedral building dates back to the late 16th century and was built by the Jesuit Order. However, in 1759 were banned from operating in Portugal by then prime-minister, the Marquis de Pombal.

    With this spacious, modern church now vacant it was decided in 1772 that the episcopal seat be transferred from the old Romanesque cathedral to here. Henceforth this was referred to as the Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the older church the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral).

  • Sé Velha

    Se Velha - Coimbra
    Se Velha - Coimbra
    Concierge.2C CC BY-SA

    The Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) of Coimbra is said to be the finest example of Romanesque architecture to be found in Portugal. Dating back to the beginning of the 12th century it was built as a statement of the new nation's triumph over the Moors at the Battle of Ourique. Unlike many of Portugal's grand early buildings much of the original Romanesque design remains intact, although there are many subsequent embellishments.

  • Joanina Library

    Joanina Library Interior - Coimbra
    Joanina Library interior
    IPPA/António Sacchetti All rights reserved

    Exquisitely ornate Baroque library of the University of Coimbra. Around 250 thousand volumes are contained within this priceless icon of Portuguese culture.

  • Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

    Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
    Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

    Founded in 1772 by the Marquis of Pombal, the botanical gardens are located in the heart of Coimbra. The 13ha gardens contain plant species from around the world, laid out both logically and aesthetically

  • Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha

    Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha
    Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha
    José Luis Filpo Cabana CC BY-SA

    Founded in 1314 by Queen Isabel (Elizabeth of Aragon), the Gothic Convento de Santa Clara was built close to the banks of the River Mondego, across from Coimbra. Isabel was the wife of king D. Dinis and it is said she was most generous and sympathetic towards the poor. In fact the story goes that the king had to reign in Queen Isabel's spending.

  • Portugal dos Pequenitos

    Portugal dos Pequenitos, Coimbra
    Portugal dos Pequenitos
    José Goncalves CC BY-SA

    Portugal dos Pequenitos can translate as "Portugal of the Little Ones" or "Portugal for the Little Ones". Either one would be appropriate for this Portugal in miniature which will particularly appeal to younger visitors. Founded by Professor Bissaya Barreto, a local doctor and lecturer at the medical school, his goal for the park was to be "a living portrait of what it is to be Portuguese and the Portuguese presence throughout the world".

  • Conimbriga

    Roman Ruins - Conimbriga
    Casa de Cantaber

    The Roman settlement of Conímbriga was one of the largest in Portugal and is today the best preserved and most impressive. The ruins of this ancient town are situated in the countryside around 16 km (10 miles) south of Coimbra, in central Portugal.

    Conímbriga as a settlement dates back to before the arrival of the Romans in Portugal. Originally it was occupied by the Celts (briga meaning defended area in Celtic)  but what you see today is the work of the Romans who arrived here in the 2nd century BC, during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

  • Montemor-o-Velho Castle

    Montemor-o-Velho castle
    Montemor-o-Velho Castle
    Paulo Magalhaes

    Predating Portuguese sovereignty, the castle of Montemor-o-Velho is a listed National Monument. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the flood plains of the Mondego the castle still dominates the skyline. There has been a fort or castle of some sort here presiding over and protecting the Mondego valley from as long ago as 2000 BC.

  • Penela Castle

    Penela Castle
    Penela Castle
    Adriao CC BY-SA

    Castle built to defend Coimbra from the potential reconquest of the region by the Moors. The existing structure dates back to the mid 12th century

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Coimbra travel guide »

In terms of historic significance and romantic beauty, Coimbra is second only to Lisbon and Oporto. Its ancient buildings cling to the side of the hill that rises above the curves of the river Mondego, the ornate buildings of the famous University of Coimbra are its crowning glory. Indeed the university is still the lifeblood of the city and the change in atmosphere is notable when the…