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Portugal. (2021) Coimbra ( / koʊˈɪmbrə /, also US: / kuˈ -, ˈkwɪmbrə /, [1] [2] UK: / ˈkɔɪmbrə /, [3] Portuguese: [kuˈĩbɾɐ] ⓘ or [ˈkwĩbɾɐ] [4]) is a city and a municipality in Portugal. The population of the municipality at the 2021 census was 140,796, [5] in an area of 319.40 square kilometres (123.3 sq mi). [6]
Learn about Coimbra, Portugal's historic city with a famous university and a World Heritage Site. Find out the best time to visit, how many days to spend, and what to see and do in and around Coimbra.
- Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra's Unesco-listed university, one of the world's oldest, was originally founded in Lisbon in 1290. It was subsequently relocated several times…
- Biblioteca Joanina. The university's baroque library is Coimbra's headline sight. Named after King João V, who sponsored its construction between 1717 and 1728, it features a…
- Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro. This great museum is a highlight of central Portugal. Housed in a 12th-century bishop's palace, it stands over the city's ancient Roman forum, remains of…
- Sé Velha. Coimbra's 12th-century cathedral is one of Portugal's finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The main portal and facade are particularly striking,…
- University of Coimbra. The oldest university in Portugal is a World Heritage Site, high on a hill in the middle of the city. It’s a big tourist draw and has hundreds of years of history to show off.
- Biblioteca Joanina. This esteemed Baroque library is on the Paço das Escolas, where Portugal’s earliest kings once lived. It goes back to the 1720s and needs to be seen to be believed.
- Chapel of São Miguel. The university’s chapel is from the first decades of the 16th century and abounds with history and sumptuous fittings. The main portal is Neoclassical and from the 18th century, but if you step across to the side entrance there are some extraordinary Manueline carvings.
- Machado de Castro National Museum. With a very atmospheric venue Coimbra’s episcopal palace, this fantastic Museum is named for the 18th and 19th-century sculptor, Joaquim Machado de Castro.
Apr 10, 2024 · Discover the history and culture of Coimbra, Portugal's former capital, with this comprehensive guide. Explore the UNESCO-listed university, the stunning library, the churches, the gardens, and more.
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Discover the best sights and experiences in Coimbra, a historic city with a World Heritage university, Roman ruins, and stunning architecture. Explore the Coimbra University, Conimbriga, Machado de Castro Museum, Santa Cruz Monastery, and more.
Coimbra is the traditional capital city of Central Portugal 's historic Beira Litoral region. With over 140,000 inhabitants (2021), it is the largest municipality there and one of Portugal's four largest metropolises.
