Coimbra Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Coimbra

The ancient Roman city of Aeminium, by the Mondego River, eventually became the city of Coimbra. The modern Machado de Castro National Museum rests on the remains of a medieval bishop's palace. The palace was supported by an old cryptoporticus and Roman forum. The forum was the seed of the political and religious center of a city always reborn.

For more than 100 years Aeminium was held by Moorish conquerors. In the 9th century it was recaptured by Alfonso III of Asturias and Leon. The See and episcopal seat of Conimbriga was transferred to the city of Aeminium and Aeminium became Coimbra. Coimbra changed hands several times until in 1064, when it was taken by Ferdinand I of Castile.

Six Kings of Portugal were born in Coimbra. There was Sancho I and Sancho II, Afonso II and Afonso III, Pedro I and Ferdinand I. Portugal's oldest university, founded in Lisbon in 1290, was ultimately moved to Coimbra in 1537 as the University of Coimbra. It has a library holding 250,000 volumes and manuscripts.

Among the many old landmarks of the city are the 12th century Romanesque Old Cathedral; The Church of Sao Salvador; the New Cathedral of 1598; and the University of Coimbra and the Joanina Library.

Coimbra is a centuries-old monument-rich environment. It holds every phase and chapter of the story of architecture: Romanesque; Gothic; Mannerist; Renaissance; Baroque and all their neo derivatives.

Climb through the gate of Almedina to the uphill slope of Breakback Street to the "Alta" high above. Cross the University courtyard and climb the Clock Tower at sunset. From the top of the tower see all the city in every direction.

A good time of year in Coimbra is Spring. In May the graduating University students hold their "Burning of the Ribbons" festivities. Fado singers in black robes stroll about the streets after dark singing soulful songs of love and parting. The times are equally festive in summer. In the fall the students return, the cafes are busy and the city looks forward to winter.