Located on the banks of the River Mondego, the city of Coimbra is lauded for being home to the oldest & prestigious university in Portugal. This mesmerising animated city was medieval capital of Portugal for more than a century. Coimbra Portugal is studded with myriad of impressive edifices, churches, monasteries & dark cobbled lanes dating back to the 13th Century. This city is a laidback place to visit with family & friends for a wonderful vacationing.
Wondering about the requirements? Well, a Tourist Portugal Visa is all that you need to get to this captivating ancient city. Apply for Portugal Visa & head to Coimbra to relish an authentic Portuguese experience.
Before you can embark on an enthralling journey to Coimbra Portugal, let us get an insight of some top-notch places to get around.
Top Places to visit in Coimbra Portugal
Coimbra is renowned as the treasure-trove of Portugal historic sites. The incredible collection of churches, serene monasteries, dynamic cultural institutions, cluster of fine museums & medieval convents add to the dignified glory of the fascinating Coimbra Portugal city.
Here is a list of some of the epic places to visit while in Coimbra. You may add these to your bucket-list on your trip to Coimbra for a fantastic Portuguese experience.
1). University Of Coimbra– Lauded as the oldest university in Portugal & one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra is a popular tourist destination. It is located on a hill in the centre of the Coimbra city in a medieval palace. Over the centuries, Baroque & neo-classical features have been added to give the university a striking look.
The most stunning feature of the university is the 18th Century library, Joanina, which was named after its benefactor, João V. The peculiar architecture, exotic wood, trompe-l’oeil decoration, walls covered with red, dark green & black lacquered shelves of library makes this University a must-visit place.
2). Chapel of Sao Miguel– Located in the University, the Chapel of Sao Miguel is another scene-stealer of Coimbra Portugal city. The architectural elements of this beautiful Chapel date to the early 16th Century. The true riches of the chapel lies within that were added in 17th & 18th century such as the colourful azulejos coat of the walls & the ceiling. Interestingly, some of the historic religious paintings & an enchanting Baroque organ lavished with gilded angels is still functioning.
3). Se Velha (Old Cathedral)– The Old Cathedral of Coimbra seems more like a fort because of its solid oppressive appearance, crenelated walls & narrow window-slits. Se Velha is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the entire Portugal. The cathedral was consecrated in year 1184, when Coimbra was the capital of Portugal. Shortly after the consecration, King Sancho 1 was crowned in this Cathedral.
Though the exterior of the cathedral appears appropriately forbidding, the ostentatious decorations & designs that cover the interior are a treat to eyes. The Gothic high altar, lovely geometric designs, animal motifs, elegant cloisters add to the magnificence of this cathedral.
Apart from these tourist destinations, Coimbra is famous among the travel enthusiasts for its cuisines & cooking methods.
Food in Coimbra is unique & distinct from other regions of Portugal. The natives of Coimbra produce wines that perfectly complement the lavish food segment of Coimbra. Some of the Coimbra restaurants that you may consider visiting with family & friends include Loggia, Sete Restaurante, Ze Manel dos Ossos, Tapas Nas Costas, Fangas Mercearia Bar, Adega Paco dos Condes, Justica e Paz, Porta Larga & Restaurante Ze Neto.
Get your Portugal Visa Appointment materialized today & commence on an enthralling journey to Coimbra Portugal city with family, friends or someone special. Gather memories for life-time.
