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Offered languages
- German
- German
- Portuguese
- Portuguese
- English
- English
- Italian
- Italian
- French
- French
- Spanish
- Spanish
Coimbra climbs from the Mondego riverfront to one of Europe's oldest universities, and this self-guided walking tour follows that ascent on foot. It starts where Portugal's first kings are buried at the Monastery of Santa Cruz, passes through the medieval Almedina Gate into the upper town, reaches the fortress-like Old Cathedral and the University's Iron Gate, then comes back down past the New Cathedral, the Monumental Stairs and the São Sebastião Aqueduct to the cafés of Praça da República.
Everything runs from your smartphone - no app to install, and no physical guide to keep up with. At each stop a short audio story plays, followed by an interactive quiz that turns the walk into a game you can play alone or with friends.
- 8 stops, about 2 km, roughly 1.5 hours at an easy pace
- Audio guide and a quiz at every stop
- Walk it any day, at any hour, at your own pace
- Map and directions built in
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Start your self-guided tour at the entrance of the Monastery of Santa Cruz on Praça 8 de Maio. Open your Ciceru experience nearby and follow the route on your smartphone.
The tour ends near Praça da República. Take a moment to enjoy the area before finishing your walk.
Itinerary
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Igreja de Santa Cruz (Pass by)
Founded in 1131, the Monastery of Santa Cruz holds the tombs of Portugal's first two kings, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I. Travellers pause outside its ornate 16th-century facade on Praça 8 de Maio, in the heart of the lower town, and hear the story of how the walk up to the university begins here.
Admission ticket free -
Torre de Almedina (Pass by)
The Almedina Gate and Tower is the main surviving entrance to Coimbra’s medieval walled town. Its name comes from the Arabic word for the city, and the arch marks the boundary between the flat riverside Baixa and the steep upper town. Travellers pass beneath it on the climb toward the cathedrals.
Admission ticket free -
Se Velha De Coimbra (Pass by)
Coimbra’s Old Cathedral was built in the 12th century, when the city was Portugal’s capital and still close to the frontier. Its thick walls, narrow windows and battlements make it look more like a fortress than a church, and it is one of the best preserved Romanesque cathedrals in the country.
Admission ticket free -
University of Coimbra (Pass by)
The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, occupies a former royal palace on the highest point of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers enter the Paço das Escolas courtyard through the Porta Férrea, the Iron Gate, with the baroque library and clock tower ahead.
Admission ticket free -
Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra (Pass by)
The New Cathedral began as the church of the Jesuit college in the late 16th century and became Coimbra’s cathedral in 1772, after the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal. Its tall Mannerist and baroque facade faces a square just below the university.
Admission ticket free -
Escadas Monumentais (Pass by)
The Monumental Stairs are the long straight flight of steps that students climb between the lower town and the university quarter. Laid out in the 20th century as part of the remodelling of the university area, they give a clear view back down over the rooftops of Coimbra.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Also known as the Arcos do Jardim, the São Sebastião Aqueduct was rebuilt in the late 16th century to carry water to the upper town. Its long line of arches runs beside the Botanical Garden below the university, and travellers walk along them from the street.
Admission ticket free -
Praca da Republica (Pass by)
Praça da República is the square where Coimbra’s student life spills onto the street, ringed by cafés, bars and the terraces used by the university’s student associations. The walk ends here, with time to sit down before heading back into the city.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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