University of Coimbra
Considered the city's ex-libris, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in the world and the oldest in Portugal. It is full of traditions that students are keen to maintain, making it a must-see on a visit to Coimbra. You can tour the campus and its facilities, highlighting the Joanina Library, to the Chapel of São Miguel, the Sala dos Capelos, the great Tower and its botanical garden.
Joanina Library
The Joanina Library of the University of Coimbra It's stunning and also one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Discover more about this bookish paradise.
There is a library full of history that dazzles all who visit it. It is the Joanina Library of University of Coimbra, a space that brings together a priceless literary treasure and the opulence of architecture and arts from the early 18th century, dazzling anyone who visits it.
The entire space invites the discovery of new knowledge. The thousands of works that make up the library's collection are housed in an opulent space rich in beauty and exoticism, with painted ceilings harmonizing with balustrades and shelves crafted from gold leaf and tropical wood.
Old Cathedral of Coimbra
It is one of the most important landmarks of the Romantic style in Portugal. Old Cathedral It resembles a small castle and is the only Portuguese cathedral that has remained intact since its construction, which in this case occurred during the Reconquista period. The city's count, Dom Sesnando, is buried here.
Monastery of Santa Cruz
O Monastery of Santa Cruz, Located in downtown Coimbra, it was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine and renovated by King Manuel I in the 16th century. The main building of this monastery is the Church of Santa Cruz or National Pantheon, where the first two kings of Portugal—D. Afonso Henriques and D. Sancho I—are buried.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
To replace the old medieval monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, also known as the Convent of Queen Saint Isabel. In addition to the adjacent buildings, this Baroque building also houses a church and a museum that are open to visitors.
Portugal of the Little Ones
Intended for younger children, the Portugal Park of the Little Ones It's the perfect place for all children to experience (literally) everything that stands out about Portugal's presence in the world. Furthermore, this historical and educational landmark serves as a meeting point for peoples and cultures. Due to the meticulous detail of this small-scale sculptural art, this is a place that enchants all ages.
Quinta das Lágrimas
O Garden of Quinta das Lágrimas It is the stage and setting for the tragic love story between Dom Pedro and Dom Inês de Castro. It is a garden bearing many marks of this love, and the most prominent element, considered its symbol, is the Fountain of Tears. It is located with a wonderful view over the city of Coimbra and is a must-see for all romantics and lovers.
Jardim da Manga
Built in the 16th century, the Jardim da Manga It began as a cloister of the ancient Monastery of Santa Cruz, but today it's the setting for one of the city's most beautiful postcards. This structure was built to be the "fountain of life in the midst of paradise," symbolizing salvation and eternal life. It's impossible not to admire this monument, now recognized as a national monument, and it's almost 500 years old.
Arco de Almedina
Known as the Arco de Almedina, along with the tower of the same name located behind it. However, its real name is the Barbacã Gate, which serves as the entrance to the historic area of Coimbra. It is a landmark from the Islamic period that was part of the city's two-kilometer-long wall.
Sé Nova de Coimbra
It is located near the University of Coimbra and construction began in 1598, although construction dragged on for almost 100 years. It was occupied by the Jesuits, and this is evident in its sober and austere architecture.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
It was built in the 14th century by Isabella of Aragon, wife of King Denis and known as the "Holy Queen." With the construction of the new monastery in 1677, it was left abandoned until, in the 20th century, it underwent restoration work. Today, it operates as an open-air museum, and inside, you can also see a multimedia exhibition dedicated to the building's past.
May 8th Square
This beautiful square, in Coimbra's historic center, houses some of the city's most iconic buildings: the Church of Santa Cruz and the City Hall. The Church of Santa Cruz is considered one of the National Pantheons, and it is the burial place of the first two Kings of Portugal.
Commerce Square
It's one of Coimbra's most beautiful squares, home to the churches of São Bartolomeu and São Tiago. You can also see the city's pillory and some 16th- and 17th-century buildings. This area is home to several shops, restaurants, and bars with terraces.
The city of Coimbra can be reached in about 45 minutes by car from Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa.
