Historic Buildings Walking Tour, Coimbra

Historic Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Coimbra

Amid the array of historic buildings narrating the cultural and architectural heritage of Coimbra, Portugal, there are both secular structures and great churches, dating back centuries. Apart from their historical value, these buildings exemplify the resplendent European architecture of the past, featuring Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and other styles. Some of them are richly decorated on the inside by paintings, sculptures, and other works of art created by some of the greatest artists of the day.

Standing high among these treasures, both literally and metaphorically speaking, is the University Tower, a lofty symbol of the city's esteemed academic legacy. The adjacent Chapel of Saint Michael reveals a wealth of history and artistry within, including the 12th-century royal oratory and 17th- and 18th-century decor.

Moving towards ecclesiastical landmarks, the New Cathedral of Coimbra showcases a blend of Baroque and Mannerist styles. Its grandeur is matched by the Old Cathedral not far away, a medieval masterpiece whose historical and artistic elements found significant reflection in its newer counterpart.

The Church of Saint Bartholomew and that of the Santa Cruz Monastery both offer glimpses into Coimbra's religious past, with their intricate designs and spiritual ambiance.

Not to be overlooked is the Palace of Justice, formerly a Dominican friary, repurposed by the Ministry of Justice in 1928.

Nearby, the Church of Santa Justa, built in the 18th century on the site of a flood-destroyed predecessor, features two bell towers and a grand staircase, making it one of Coimbra's most visited monumental churches.

Each of these buildings vividly illustrates Coimbra's profound history, cultural vibrancy, and architectural ingenuity. With this self-guided tour, we encourage you to explore these landmarks at your convenience. Come wander through the cobblestone streets, gaze upon the centuries-old facades, and let the spirit of Coimbra's past enchant and inspire you!

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Concierge.2C.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Coimbra

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Historic Buildings Walking Tour
Guide Location: Portugal » Coimbra (See other walking tours in Coimbra)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk or build your own)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Coimbra?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Coimbra Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Coimbra?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Coimbra, Portugal

Create Your Own Walk in Coimbra

Creating your own self-guided walk in Coimbra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Coimbra Introduction Walking Tour

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... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles