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Offered languages
- English
Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital.
Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes.
Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral.
Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro.
Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried.
Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet me at the Porta Férrea (Iron Gate), the main entrance to the University of Coimbra. I will be waiting outside the gate.
The tour ends by the river, a short walk from Largo da Portagem, the main shopping street and the restaurants of the old town.
Itinerary
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1Universita Di Coimbra
Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest universities in the world. The tour covers the outdoor spaces, entry to the ticketed interiors such as the Joanina Library is not included
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Estatua de D. Dinis
The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra (Pass by)
A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra
Admission ticket free -
3
The university's main courtyard, once a royal palace, with sweeping views over the city and the Mondego river.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Biblioteca Joanina (Pass by)
One of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe, built in 1717 and home to 60,000 volumes
Admission ticket free -
Sala dos Capelos (Pass by)
The Great Hall, once the throne room of the royal palace and today where degrees are awarded, lined with portraits of Portuguese kings.
Admission ticket free -
Capela de Sao Miguel (Pass by)
The university's own chapel, decorated with 17th century azulejos and home to a baroque organ of more than 2,000 pipes.
Admission ticket free -
Se Velha De Coimbra (Pass by)
The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night
Admission ticket free -
4
The square at the heart of Coimbra's fado, where students once sang to the tricanas of the old town
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Torre de Almedina (Pass by)
The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls
Admission ticket free -
5Rua Ferreira Borges
Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Santa Cruz Church
Where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Free to enter, though it may close for mass or ceremonies
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Parque Verde do Mondego
A riverside park along the Mondego, with open views back toward the old town and the university on the hill
15 minutes • 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for people with mobility impairments
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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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