Coimbra, Portugal

Coimbra, Portugal
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coimbra_tozu.JPG
Author: Olarcos


Coimbra is a city in the Coimbra District in central Portugal. The city is best known for its university, the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest in Europe as well as in the Portuguese-speaking world.


Glimpse of the Cathedral of Coimbra from a narrow street
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedral_Hist%C3%B3rica_de_Coimbra.jpg
Author: José Luis Filpo Cabana


The city of Coimbra has a population of 102,000 (2011 estimate) within a municipal area of 150,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area of Coimbra is one of the most important urban centers in Portugal after the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas.

According to archaeological evidence, the city of Coimbra dates back to Roman era, when it was a settlement called Aeminium. Excavations have revealed its aqueduct and crytoporticus. The city even served as the capital of Portugal between 1139 and 1260. By the Late Middle Ages, the city was in decline. As the political center of Portugal shifted away, it evolved into a major cultural center.


University of Coimbra
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coimbra_Saatkulesi.JPG
Author: Necrocapo


Today Coimbra is a major tourist destination in Portugal, bringing in a steady stream of tourists to admire its many monuments and historical sights.

Going to Coimbra

You can take trains or buses from Lisbon or Porto to Coimbra. The Coimbra bus station is just a 10-minute walk from the city center, so it may be a practical option if you are going to stay somewhere around.

There are two train stations in Coimbra, named Coimbra-A and Coimbra-B. All the long-distance trains arrive at Coimbra-B, but the ticket includes a 5-minute connection to Coimbra-A, which is the downtown train station.


Portugal dos Pequenitos
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portugal_Pequenitos_%2812%29.JPG
Author: José Goncalves

Sights in Coimbra

Coimbra, Portugal
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CoimbraView-CC1.jpg
Author: Anabela Maximiliano

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