Places to see in Coimbra, Portugal |
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Coimbra still shows signs of everyday life back in the Middle Ages. The top part of the city is filled with churches, monasteries and noblemen’s houses, where the clergy and the noble families lived; and the lower part of the city, close to the river, shows a closer relationship to commercial activities. During this time, a fortified wall, still apparent in remains such as the Porta da Almedina, surrounded the city. Although only ruins can be seen, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha; a Gothic style building situated on the left bank of the Mondego River is definitely worth a visit. A new Monastery was built uphill in the XVIIth century due to the frequent floods and is called the “new” Santa Clara Monastery. Manueline and renaissance style buildings are apparent in many monuments around the city. This is the case with the Santa Cruz Monastery, founded in 1131, which holds the tombs of the first two Kings of Portugal. It is one of the most memorable monuments in Coimbra for the art and history involved in its creation. It is also said that possibly Luis de Camões, the epic Portuguese writer, studied here. After this, you can visit the Manga garden (Sleeve garden), close to this Monastery and famous for the cluster that is said to have been designed in the form of the King’s shirt’s sleeve. Note the facade of the Old Cathedral, also a Manueline style design. You will certainly enjoy a visit to the epic quarters of the Coimbra University. What used to be the Royal Palace was converted into a University in the 16th Century. Its notable Baroque library holds an enviable book collection. The Machado Castro Museum, named after the legendary Portuguese sculptor, is the most important museum of the city. It’s housed in the former Palace of the Bishops and it holds one of the richest art collections in all of Portugal, including sculpture, archaeological remains, jewellery, painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and furniture that date back as early as the 1st Century until as late as the XVIIIth Century. One of the most fascinating parts of the museum is the carefully preserved Roman ruins that were found under the museum, which you can explore and discover. Visit the House of Miguel Torga, one of Portugal’s most important writers and doctors. He lived and died in Coimbra, leaving behind not only a repertoire of incredible poetry, literature and medical studies, but also his home, converted into this Museum. For a peaceful retreat, take a stroll through the Botanical Garden, created in the 18th Century and filled with species that will transport you to several parts of the world. The surrounding woods are beautifully kept, with a wild touch to them. The most celebrated one is the Choupal National woods, sung about in the many Fado songs or described in many poems. Situated nearby Coimbra, in the town of Conímbriga, are one of the world’s best conserved Roman ruins. Dating back to the IXth century B.C., Conímbriga lasted as an important city until the VIIth century A.D. The colours and designs of the characteristic mosaic floors are still apparent here, providing a more realistic view of what the Roman Empire used to be. Walking through the remains of this city transports you to other times, when merchants and traders would work in between the commotion and scurry of these streets. Coimbra and its surroundings have so many unforgettable places to see, it will be a hard choice. The ones you do choose to visit will certainly give you many stories to tell and to remember.
Recommended Coimbra Hotels |
