Coimbra, Portugal: detailed information, description, and interesting facts

The City of Coimbra (Portugal) – a major industrial and economical center of the country. The metropolis is often called the cultural capital of power, the source of its philosophy and culture. In Coimbra opened the largest University in Europe, which until the XVI century was the only one in Portugal. Its graduates are such famous personages as Saint Anthony of Padua, the poet Camões and the dictator Salazar. The first Portuguese kings were also buried in Coimbra. It is a beautiful city, decked with attractions and striking in its splendor.

Coimbra in numbers. The weather in the region

Coimbra in Portugal is the fifth largest. This is the main cultural center of the state, which is inhabited by approximately 170 thousand people. Is the settlement on the shores of the Mondego river, 182 kilometers from the capital. Coimbra – it is the administrative center of the district of the same name. The area of the city is 317 square kilometers. Since it is a University region, the bulk of the population are young people. It developed mainly textile and food industries. At a high level is a manufacture of porcelain.

Original in Coimbra (Portugal) is the weather. It's a lot cooler than in Lisbon, but warmer than the Port. Summer is very warm, in July, the air warms up to 28 degrees. But in the winter there are cool enough. In January the temperature can fall to as much as five degrees Celsius. Autumn and winter – during the rainy period. But the local climatic conditions of the liking of tourists. Travelers love to come here in the spring, when the heat is doing its job, but not yet turned in the searing heat. However, in the summer, in the holiday season and the beaches, in Coimbra remains a large number of guests.

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Brief history

The Base of Coimbra in Portugal is associated with the ancient Roman city of Conimbriga, the name of which formed the basis of the name of the modern settlement. The Roman settlement was located 16 kilometers from the present coast. But in the sixth century the invasion of the Suevi and vandals forced the population to leave the area. Residents didn't want to come back here and rebuilt the town. As the new habitat they chose the territory on the hill Aminium, on the coast of the river Mondego. People preserved the name of their previous city, but over time reduced to Coimbra.

The Moors conquered the town in the eighth century, and in 878, the year they were expelled from there. But after one century they again back to Coimbra, and took it. In 1064 the army of Ferdinand the Great, finally conquered the settlement. Almost since its Foundation, Coimbra has played the function of the incredibly important economic and trade hub of the region. In the middle Ages it became an important scientific centre of power. King Alphonse Henriques in 1139 declared the future metropolis of the capital of Portugal. This status of the village was retained to 1256.

What to see

The Many and varied attractions of Coimbra (Portugal). Example of Romanesque style is the Church of Se Velho, built in the XII century. Incredibly beautiful temple Se Nova was built in the XVI century by the Jesuits. Its construction was to emphasize the power of the order in the country. And unique in the Episcopal Palace of the same century, you can see a collection of sculptures of Portugal.

Exploring the southern array of Coimbra, you can visit the ruins of Conimbriga. They represent the greatest power in the archaeological site. If the travelers are going to explore the best sights of the city, then you should definitely visit the Museum under the open sky «Portugal shower, Pequenitos”. The gates to the institution represent a wall map depicting all the continents and States of the Earth.

Oldest University

The University is in Coimbra (Portugal) is its hallmark and most prominent landmark. It was founded according to the orders of the king Danisha I of Portugal in 1290. The school functioned in the faculties of law, arts, Canon law and medicine. In the first year of its operation, the University was recognized by Pope Nicholas IV. First housed the University in Lisbon, but in 1308 transferred to Coimbra.

For two hundred years by “wandering”: it was in Lisbon, again in Coimbra. In 1537, the University finally “moved” in the building of the Royal Palace, the first capital of Portugal. Gradually, the University has expanded its colleges and faculties located in different areas of the settlement. They occupy a building of historical significance that are architectural and cultural monuments on a global scale.

Teach students

The Leading faculties of the University are mathematical, medical and legal. Student reviews about the University of Coimbra in Portugal indicate that the teaching here is reallyhigh level.

Especially good knowledge provide in such disciplines as chemistry, biology, mechanical engineering and construction technology. Here is a very strong and humanitarian sector, especially foreign languages, art history and the history of archaeology.

Like the students scientific research work of the University. Organize them in the field of fundamental and applied disciplines. Those who have completed training and still studying at the University of Coimbra, speak about it only in the best way. They argue that teachers are trying to find approach to every student and always help in study.

Interesting about Coimbra

The City of Coimbra in Portugal is interesting because here were born many famous people. Some of them we have already mentioned. But apart from these people here were born successful players – Miguel Luis Pinto Veloso and zé Castro. The first is the midfielder of Kiev «Dynamo» and the national team of Portugal. Second – defender of the Portuguese football club «Rayo Vallecano”. Popular car racer Filipe Miguel was also born here.

Reviews and comments

Every tourist who visited the city of Coimbra in Portugal, reviews about it leaves amazing. According to travelers, this place is impossible not to fall in love. It captivates the heart with a glance. It successfully combines historical past with modern civilization. The sights, the University and the local nature will forever remain in my heart.

Many travelers say that the best city in my life seen, and are confident that they will not be able to find more gorgeous and beautiful place on Earth. In the comments people mention that the town gives the spirit of the middle Ages and seemingly takes in the era of knights and beautiful ladies.