Coimbra: University, Cultural Heritage and Gardens

Coimbra can be explored through several themes: the university and its architectural history, religious and archaeological heritage, gardens, and science and music outreach. When choosing a hotel for your stay, these highlights can shape the character of your trip.

University and Historic Buildings

The University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia, an integrated university city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its own ceremonial and cultural traditions have remained alive for centuries. The Universidade de Coimbra was founded in 1290 and permanently established in Coimbra in 1537: the first date marks its foundation, the second its permanent establishment in the city.

The Biblioteca Joanina was built between 1717 and 1728. It houses more than 300,000 volumes dating from before 1800. The university tower was built in 1728. The library and tower thus represent different aspects of the university’s history: a collection preserved over many years and a striking building from the same period.

The Mosteiro de Santa Cruz was a cradle of Portugal’s first medieval studies. It also houses the tombs of Portugal’s first king, D. Afonso Henriques, and his son, D. Sancho I. A 12th-century cloister has been preserved in the Episcopal Palace, which houses the collections of the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro.

Below the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro is a two-storey complex of Roman galleries. It is thought to have supported a large public square or forum in the ancient city of Aeminium. Its possible function remains an interpretation; its location beneath the museum and its Roman structure provide the archaeological context.

Monastic Complex and Archaeological Perspectives

The Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha was refounded in 1314 with the support of Queen Isabel of Aragon. Its church has three aisles of equal height with stone vaults and no transept. A publicly accessible area includes a visit to the open-air ruins and an interpretation centre. The site’s history, architecture and present-day visitor areas can thus be considered different aspects of the same complex.

Gardens and Landscape

The Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra was laid out in 1772 at the initiative of the Marquês de Pombal. It covers more than 13 hectares and is arranged on terraces stretching from the university hill to the Rio Mondego. The terraces and stated area offer a different way to experience the city’s history than its buildings and collections: here, the designed landscape shapes the character of the place.

Quinta das Lágrimas covers a total of 18.3 hectares; the surrounding gardens are predominantly home to exotic species, some of which are more than 200 years old. On the southern flank of the gardens is woodland suited to long walks. The Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas also include a medieval garden, considered the first in Portugal and dedicated to the love story of Pedro and Inês.

This gives you different garden highlights to consider when planning your trip: the botanical garden is described in terms of its terraces, history and size; the Quinta combines gardens with woodland and the story of Pedro and Inês.

Science, Music and Miniature Architecture

When it was founded in 1995, UC Exploratório was Portugal’s first interactive science centre. It includes a planetarium with hemispherical 360-degree projection. Casa das Caldeiras is dedicated to promoting and sharing Canção de Coimbra. Science and music are further cultural highlights alongside the histories of the university and monasteries.

Portugal dos Pequenitos is considered Portugal’s first theme park. It features miniature reproductions of traditional Portuguese houses and national monuments. This view of houses and buildings in miniature differs from the historic original buildings and collections at the other places mentioned.

Arrival Information

A brief guide: Coimbra A is a station on the main line. Coimbra B is located in the city centre. These details refer to different aspects and can be taken into account when planning your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Mesura, Figueira De Lorvão, Tapéus, Quiaios, Vila Pouca Da Beira, Anceriz, Arganil, Armazéns

For the broader travel overview: Coimbra.