History in articles
Walking in Coimbra
Perched gracefully on the hills overlooking the winding Mondego River, Coimbra is one of Portugal’s oldest and most storied cities. To walk through Coimbra is not merely to traverse cobbled streets; it is to embark on a journey through centuries of history, to breathe in the poetic air of academia, and to discover the vibrant tapestry of life that animates its neighborhoods, gardens, and riverbanks.
Historical Center of Coimbra
Nestled on the sun-drenched hills along the Mondego River, the historical center of Coimbra is more than a mere urban landscape—it is a tapestry woven from the threads of centuries, where every stone and alleyway tells the vibrant story of Portugal’s intellectual, cultural, and political evolution. Coimbra stands as a gracious custodian of the nation’s memory, a city whose identity is shaped by both its illustrious university and the enduring traditions that echo through its medieval streets.
The Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha): A Romanesque Masterpiece in Portugal
Standing at the crossroads of Coimbra’s bustling medieval streets, the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, locally known as Sé Velha, is one of Portugal’s most magnificent Romanesque monuments. Built in the 12th century, this architectural masterpiece has witnessed centuries of Portuguese history, spiritual life, and cultural transformation.