‘The forgotten capital with the high Harry Potter appeal’
When you think of a road trip through Portugal, do you also only think of beautiful Porto, bustling Lisbon, the beautiful beaches of the Algarve and perhaps recently European destination of the year Braga? However, a lot of tourists neglect Coimbra on their Portugal road trip, and that is a real shame!
Did you know that there was already habitation in and around Coimbra in Roman times? So this city on your drive between Porto, Aveiro and Lisbon oozes history. In 1139, Coimbra was named capital by Alfons I, Portugal's first king, a position the city would hold until 1255.
The municipality of Coimbra has a population of 143,396 inhabitants, about 100,000 of whom live within the city limits proper, making it one of Portugal's largest municipalities.
If you visit Coimbra, we recommend starting your city walk on the banks of the Mondego and from there, walk up via the pedestrian bridge Ponte Pedonal Pedro e Inês towards the impressive university building that dominates Coimbra's skyline.
Vibrant student city
In Coimbra, the centuries-old decor is topped by the vibrant vibe brought by the many students during the academic year. Coimbra's university, by the way, is one of the oldest in the world. Founded in the 13th century, Coimbra's uni was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Inside the university tower are the bells that announced the beginning and end of classes: for today's students, perhaps a redeeming or oppressive signal, but for curious tourists certainly a unique moment to witness. Anyone brave enough to climb the tower, by the way, will be rewarded with an incredible 360° view of the city and the beautiful nature around it. Those who visit the Paço das Escolas at the Velha universidade (the old university) will find themselves thinking of Harry Potter's Hogwarts building. Let the magical atmosphere wash over you and be inspired by the motley crew of young students on the centuries-old steps in front of the university. Insider tip: be sure to visit the spectacular Biblioteca Joanina, which was added to the university in the 18th century. The library of Joanina has more than 300,000 works dating from the 16th to the 18th century, displayed on beautiful bookshelves decorated with talha dourada (gilt carvings).
Impressive Romanesque architecture
The Pátio das Escolas with the statue of King Joao III is sure to move you, but the Sala dos Capelos hall, where the most important ceremonies take place and the Capela de Sao Miguel chapel with its impressive Baroque organ, are also must-sees. Incidentally, the buildings are located on the site of the palace of Portugal's first kings, who established the capital of their kingdom here. In the lower part of Coimbra you will also find many beautiful monuments from a distant past.
The Museu Nacional Machado de Castro is also worth a visit as it has a collection of great value, including a Roman cryptoporticus (underground passageway) and tells more about the city's history. There are also numerous gardens that are definitely worth a visit, such as the Choupal gardens, those of the Quinta das Lágrimas, where the love story between Pedro and Inês took place, and the Jardim Botânico (botanical garden), a pleasant piece of greenery on an oppressively hot summer day.
Sports on the banks of the Mondego
Visitors to the city can enjoy the ‘pastel de nata’ and other delicious typical Portuguese pastries in many bakeries with accompanying bar. By the way, you can eat delicious traditional food as well as grab a cheap quick bite (long live the student budget). Locals and students can often be found in the parks along the banks of the Mondego on weekends or in the evening. After all, these are equipped with playgrounds for children, a skate park, grassy areas, running, walking and cycling paths, outdoor fitness equipment, outdoor venues for events and water sports facilities. Of course, you can also enjoy a nice glass of Port wine in one of the many bars.
Will you also add a stop in Coimbra on your next visit to Portugal? We are already sold!
(FVDV for Tagtik/Illustration picture: Unsplash)
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