City

---

PORTUGAL

The Beauty of Simplicity

UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA

By signing “Scientiae Thesaurus Mirabilis”, King Dinis created the oldest university of the country and one of the oldest in the world. Dated from 1290, the document originated the General Study, recognized in the same year by Pope Nicholas IV. A century after the birth of the nation, the University of Coimbra germinated. It starts operating in Lisbon but, in 1308, it is transferred to Coimbra, alternating between the two cities until 1537, when it is definitely settled in the city of river Mondego.

Initially confined to the Royal Palace, the University spread throughout the city of Coimbra, while modifying its landscape and making of it the University City. It later enlarged with the creation of Pole II, dedicated to Engineering and Technology, and with a third pole devoted to Life Sciences.

To study at the University of Coimbra is to pursue the intellectual history of the country in the school that graduated some of the most distinguished personalities of national culture, science and politics.

With over seven centuries, the University of Coimbra has a unique tangible and intangible heritage, keystone in the scientific culture of Europe and the World, being classified as World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2013; this classification includes also the Uptown and Sofia Street.

COIMBRA: NOT TO MISS

Conimbriga - around a dozen of kilometers from the city center lies the impressive representation of the ruins of the Roman town of Conimbriga, where the Romans settled during the Iron Age. Built in 1962 Conimbriga houses artefacts from the era. These include a bust of Augustus Caesar and tessellated floors and mosaics the motifs of which include Roman villas and baths.

Santa Cruz Monastery - founded in 1131 outside the protecting walls of Coimbra, the Santa Cruz Monastery was the most important monastic house during the early days of the Portuguese monarchy. The first two kings of Portugal, King Afonso Henriques and King Sancho I, are buried in this church.

Santa Clara Velha Monastery - it is where the remains of two of the most revered queens of Portugal, Santa Clara and Inês de Castro, were temporarily laid to rest. We invite you to taste the Santa Clara pastel, which recipe has been preserved for generations. Available in any cake shop.

Portugal dos Pequenitos (Portugal for the Little Ones) - visitors are invited to be transported to the miniature version of the houses from every nook of Portugal.

Botanical Garden - Coimbra prides itself as being home to the largest botanical gardens not only in Portugal but also in Europe. Mondego Green Park - the park is the part of the city’s green space and is a great spot to take a walk and enjoy the river views.