About this experience
Coimbra is a city of knowledge. As a former student of the local university, I invite you to take a walk through the historical center with immersion in the atmosphere of the city of Coimbra. The history of the long-standing university of Portugal, stories of outstanding graduates, student traditions - all of this I will gladly share with you!
What to expect
Do not be surprised if we encounter students in traditional student mantles on our way, that's their uniform. It somehow resembles the cloak of Hogwarts students: if your children love the Harry Potter film and book, they will appreciate the opportunity to take photos in a black student mantle! ;)
Since 2013, part of the historical city center has received UNESCO World Heritage status, so first of all we will head to the upper town, to the former royal palace. Since 1537, it has housed the first and only Portuguese university, where at different times the science giants like Marquis Pombal, the Portuguese Schindler Aristides de Sousa, the dictator Salazar, and many other outstanding Portuguese personalities have sharpened their minds.
We will stroll through the king's chambers, visit the student chapel of St. Michael, admire one of the most beautiful functioning university libraries - the Joanina Library, and then descend to the former student prison. Perhaps we will witness a doctoral dissertation defense in the former throne room. Right there, in the upper town, the New Cathedral and the University Botanical Garden are located.
On the way to the lower town, if you wish, we will visit the Old Cathedral, which houses an amazing wooden altarpiece in the style of 'flaming gothic' and huge shells from the Indian Ocean. We will catch our breath and enjoy a refreshing sangria with cinnamon or a warming liqueur in a small and cozy cafe on Sogna Spini Street, after which we will head to the Monastery of the Holy Cross and the Trade Square.
After that, you can cross to the left bank of the Mondego River and explore what interesting things there are in this part of the city. Visit the miniature architecture park of Portugal and its former colonies - Portugal dos Pequenitos, or the Old Monastery of St. Clare, or the New Monastery of St. Clare, where the relics of Saint Queen Isabella rest. Visiting the miniature park usually gives a second wind to tired children from the adult tour and becomes a bright highlight of the student city tour in Coimbra.
Organizational details
Possible additional expenses:
- University entrance fee - 13.5 euros
- Old Cathedral entrance fee - 2.5 euros
