Discover Coimbra: University, Gardens and History

Coimbra combines a long-standing university history with exceptional gardens, monasteries and unique discoveries. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Coimbra can tailor their stay entirely to their own interests: the university and its historic buildings, walks in green surroundings, or engaging experiences related to science and Portuguese culture.

University and Significant Historical Landmarks

The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290 and permanently established in Coimbra in 1537. The University – Alta and Sofia is an integrated university city with its own ceremonial and cultural traditions that have remained alive over the centuries. Among its distinctive buildings is the Biblioteca Joanina, built between 1717 and 1728 and home to more than 300,000 volumes dating from before 1800. The tower of the University of Coimbra was also built in 1728.

For travellers interested in history, Coimbra offers further notable points of reference. The Mosteiro de Santa Cruz houses the tombs of the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, and his son, D. Sancho I. At the same time, the monastery was a cradle of the first medieval studies in Portugal. The Bishop's Palace, which houses the collections of the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, preserves a beautiful 12th-century cloister. Below the museum there is also a two-storey complex of Roman galleries, which presumably supported a large square or forum in the ancient city of Aeminium.

Monasteries, Gardens and Walks

The Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha was re-founded in 1314 with the support of Queen Isabel of Aragon. The church has three aisles of equal height with stone vaults and no transept. An area open to the public includes a visit to the ruins outdoors as well as an interpretation centre. This makes it possible to combine a historical visit with time outdoors without reducing the architecture to a single period.

The gardens also give Coimbra its distinctive character. The Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra was created in 1772 on the initiative of the Marquês de Pombal. It covers more than 13 hectares and is laid out in terraces from the university hill down to the Rio Mondego. The Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas cover 18.3 hectares; their gardens feature predominantly exotic species, some of which are more than 200 years old. The southern flank is covered by woodland suitable for long walks. The garden also includes a medieval garden, considered the first in Portugal, dedicated to the love stories of Pedro and Inês.

Science, Miniatures and Portuguese Culture

For a varied day of travel, Coimbra also offers unusual themes. When it was founded in 1995, UC Exploratório was Portugal's first interactive science centre. It includes a planetarium with hemispherical 360-degree projection. Portugal dos Pequenitos is considered Portugal's first theme park and displays miniature reproductions of traditional Portuguese houses and national monuments. In this way, Coimbra complements its historic university and monastery buildings with science and miniatures.

Casa das Caldeiras is dedicated to communicating and promoting Canção de Coimbra. This subject adds a musical dimension of the city to its architectural history.

Arrival and Choice of Accommodation

The railway stations provide different points of orientation for arrival: Coimbra A is a station on the main line, while Coimbra B is located in the city centre. Which holiday apartment in Coimbra is right for your trip therefore depends above all on whether you want to focus on cultural discoveries, walks or a varied programme combining different activities. When choosing a holiday apartment in Coimbra, you can use the themes that interest you most as a guide.

For further travel planning, you can also visit Mesura, Montemor-O-Velho, Alvoco Das Várzeas, Figueira De Lorvão, Quiaios, Lajeosa, Cerdeira and Chã De Alvares.

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