a mini guide to COIMBRA

200km from Lisbon, right in the center of Portugal, Coimbra reigns as the mother city being the former capital of Portugal.

Always known as the City of Students, it has University of Coimbra in its heart, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country and in Europe. With this Coimbra Mini Guide, discover the city acclaimed by it’s Fado, the city of ‘Black Capes’ sets his bohemian life but also translates into romantic stories and legends, which inspire authors to this day.

Fernando Machado Soares sings that ‘Coimbra has more charm at the time of the farewell’. 

Get to know Coimbra as the city of ‘Saudade’, and find out in this Mini Guide why it still inspires!

Why go there?

Coimbra is part of the foundation of Portugal. The first king D. Afonso Henriques converted it into the capital of the kingdom and remained so for several centuries. Coimbra to this day has an architectural and cultural heritage of great interest in our history. For example, the University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia form an architectural ensemble that, since 2013, have been recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. On the cultural side, Fado de Coimbra, makes the visit to the city worthwhile. Played and sung by the University students, it is, according to tradition, played only by men. Never forget the golden rule, that to play and sing Fado de Coimbra it is necessary to wear the ‘Black Capes’, which must be drawn by the shoulder.

What to do?

In the first place, know the history of the city. Start with the Old Cathedral, the monastery and the Church of Santa Cruz and visit the 18th century Botanical Garden with its exotic plants. Secondly, visit with the youngsters the classic ‘Portugal dos Pequenitos’. Uniquely, this is a magical space with the whole country represented in a small and playful way, all set by children’s scale.

Quinta das Lágrimas is one of the most sought after locations in the city by couples. Scenario of the Portuguese ‘Romeo and Juliet’ … The place where the history of D. Pedro and Inês de Castro took place, is today’s Hotel da Quinta das Lágrimas. Legend has it that the place where Inês was murdered at the request of D. Pedro’s father, are still the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas. The alleged pond (and bloodstains on the algae) where she was allegedly murdered, still remains there.

here to stay?

Hotel da Quinta das Lágrimas | ELEMENT by Artspazios | Sapientia Boutique Hotel (see more options with exclusive Discounts with our BPH CARD!)

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here to eat?

In the city of Coimbra, traditional taverns are the paradise of the most varied snacks. Of these, choose between moelas, pica-pau or the raia de pitau. In restaurants, typical dishes such as chanfana, the roasted pig ‘Leitão à Bairrada’ style or lamprey rice stand out. Took the steps of our Mini Guide and pay a visit to ‘O Açude’, Dux Taberna Urbana or for a more contemporary meal look at Shari Sushi Bar.

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