University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour

The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom

15 min

A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra

Pass by, no stop

The university's main courtyard, once a royal palace, with sweeping views over the city and the Mondego river.

15 min

One of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe, built in 1717 and home to 60,000 volumes

Pass by, no stop

The Great Hall, once the throne room of the royal palace and today where degrees are awarded, lined with portraits of Portuguese kings.

Pass by, no stop

The university's own chapel, decorated with 17th century azulejos and home to a baroque organ of more than 2,000 pipes.

Pass by, no stop

The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night

Pass by, no stop

The square at the heart of Coimbra's fado, where students once sang to the tricanas of the old town

15 min

The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls

Pass by, no stop

Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town

15 min

Where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Free to enter, though it may close for mass or ceremonies

15 min

A riverside park along the Mondego, with open views back toward the old town and the university on the hill

15 min