Coimbra

City of students, a Roman town, and once the capital of Portugal in the 12th century. When traveling to Portugal, Coimbra lies in between Porto and Lisbon, being
the perfect destination for a couple of days.

With a hilly geography, this town is perched on the banks of the Mondego River, whereas Coimbra will welcome you with vibrant architecture that goes from the Middle Ages to modern times. Known for the city of the students, Coimbra hosts one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290. Visiting the university, be amazed by the golden leaf and Baroque architecture of the Joanina Library. Don’t be afraid if you will see bats inside this architectural wonder. They are the night vigilantes that eat the insects that corrode old books and ancient manuscripts.

Classified as UNESCO World Heritage, in 2013, wandering throughout the old town, of Coimbra will take you back in time due to its narrow streets, churches, quaint squares, and royal palaces that dot this hilly town. This town is also the house of a different type of Fado, called Student Fado, where students were once considered troubadours, performing with the traditional Portuguese guitar, presenting a more jolly and folk sound type from the traditional southerner Fado.

Part of the Roman Empire, Coimbra has its original name as Conimbriga. Even today, in the Machado de Castro Museum, you can see Roman artifacts and archaeological traces. Curiously, not far from the Santa Clara Monastery, there’s Little Portugal. It isn’t a restaurant or venue community area, but little houses that resemble a dwarven fairy tale, which is unique in Europe. All national landmarks are here, but on a smaller scale, where children fully enjoy this theme park and have the chance to learn about Portuguese history. 

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