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Monuments in Coimbra

Biblioteca Joanina

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Praça da Porta Férrea
3000-447, Coimbra

Coimbra

This 18th-century building is notable for its magnificent Baroque portal on the exterior, topped by the national coat of arms of King John V. The simplicity of the facade contrasts with the profuse decoration of the interior, where the ceilings, painted by Lisbon artists António Simões and Vicente Nunes, and a huge canvas depicting King John V, executed around 1730 by Domenico Duprá, stand out. This library holds approximately 300,000 works, dating from the 12th to the 19th centuries, with an emphasis on law, philosophy, and theology.

Pátio da Inquisição

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Pátio da Inquisição
3000-221, Santa Cruz

Coimbra

This historic courtyard owes its name to the group of buildings surrounding it, where the Tribunal of the Holy Office operated from 1566 until its closure in 1821. It also formed part of the original College of Arts and currently houses the Center for Visual Arts.

Arco e Torre de Almedina

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Rua do Arco Almedina, 7
3000-180, Coimbra

Coimbra

The Almedina Arch was part of the medieval walls, dating back to the 11th century, as indicated by the Arabic-origin toponym meaning "the city". Today it is the entrance to old Coimbra, where one can see a sculpture from the workshop of João de Ruão. The wall has Roman origins, having been expanded several times. It presents characteristics of Roman, Muslim, Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline architecture.

Mosteiro de Santa Cruz

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Praça 8 de Maio
3000-300, Coimbra

Coimbra

A Romanesque temple founded in 1131, during the reign of King Afonso Henriques, outside the walls of Coimbra. In the first half of the 16th century, the Monastery was completely renovated by order of King Manuel I. Its main portal, executed by Chanterenne between 1522 and 1525, is its most emblematic piece. Inside, highlights include the Manueline vault covering the nave of the church, the tombs of King Afonso Henriques and King Sancho I, the Chapter Room (a Manueline work executed by Diogo de Boutaca), the Chapel of Saint Teotónio (a Mannerist work by the sculptor Tomé Velho), and the …

Edifício da Universidade de Coimbra

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Praça da Porta Férrea
3004-531, Coimbra

Coimbra

The university, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe. After alternating between Lisbon and Coimbra, it was definitively transferred to the city on the Mondego River in 1537, during the reign of King João III, establishing itself in the Royal Palace. The building became the property of the University in 1597, during the Philippine rule, and underwent several renovations over time. In 1772, the Marquis of Pombal gave new statutes to the University, and the Faculties of Mathematics and Philosophy were created, in addition to several Institutes. Notable features of the set include: the Iron Gate (the …

Quinta das Lágrimas

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Estrada das Lágrimas
3040-266, Coimbra

Coimbra

The importance of this place is mainly related to the love story of Don Pedro and Lady Inês de Castro. It's worth highlighting the romantic beauty of the Quinta, the rarity of some botanical specimens (some classified as trees of national interest), the Gothic window, and the fountain, believed to be the Fountain of Love sung about by Camões. The Solar da Quinta, built in the 18th century by the Osório Cabral family, currently houses a charming hotel.

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova

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Calçada de Santa Clara
3040-270, Coimbra

Coimbra

The first stone of this building was laid on July 3, 1649, during the reign of King John IV. The new Monastery was built to house the body of Queen Saint Isabel and the Poor Clare nuns from the original Convent of Santa Clara, which was in an advanced state of disrepair. The church, with a single nave, consists of a choir and a chancel. In the lower choir is the original tomb of Queen Saint Isabel, executed by Master Pero in 1330, a work sculpted from a single block of limestone. On the walls, tiles and altarpieces from the …

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

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Rua Baixo, 57
3040-266, Coimbra

Coimbra

The monastery was originally founded by Dona Mor Dias in 1283. In the 14th century, Clement V granted permission to Dona Isabel of Aragon to found a new monastery, which was established on the same site, with the renovation and expansion of the old buildings. The church was consecrated in 1330 and suffered its first floods in 1331. The degradation caused by the floods led to its abandonment in 1677. The church, with its vaulted nave, is an example of mendicant Gothic architecture. Notable features include the remarkable Hispano-Moorish tile panels, the rose window on the western façade, and the …

Sé Nova de Coimbra

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Largo Feira dos Estudantes
3000-214, Coimbra

Coimbra

A magnificent Jesuit temple, part of the College of the Society of Jesus, whose construction began in 1598. After the expulsion of the Jesuits from Portugal in 1759, it was handed over to the Cathedral Chapter. The main façade, austere yet elegant, is composed of two superimposed sections corresponding to two distinct construction periods: the first section, up to two-thirds of its height, is in the classical style, while the second is in the Baroque style. Inside, noteworthy features include the various Baroque carved altars from the late 17th century, the organs located on the side walls of the chancel, …

Sé Velha de Coimbra

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Largo da Sé Velha - Rua do Norte, 4
3000-383, Coimbra

Coimbra

This is one of the most beautiful Portuguese Romanesque monuments, with an external appearance resembling a fortified church. The current construction began in 1162, during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. It served as the Episcopal See until 1772 and subsequently belonged to the Misericórdia (a charitable institution) until 1778. From 1785 to 1816 it was occupied by the Third Order of Saint Francis, and after that date it became the seat of the parish of São Cristóvão. The main façade features a magnificent portal, formed by arches supported by columns with decorated capitals. The 13th-century cloister was the first …

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