From the picturesque streets lined with traditional Portuguese architecture to the rich history embedded within its walls, Coimbra is a city filled with charm and unique culture.

With its large student population, this city located in the north of Portugal is a lively and youthful place, with a thriving nightlife and a diverse cultural scene. According to locals though, Coimbra gets quite empty in August, as there are many international students that are leaving the city.

University of Coimbra – Portugal’s Historic Heartland

From its stunning Baroque library to its ancient classrooms, the university offers a glimpse into the city’s rich educational history. Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can see the classrooms and lecture halls where famous scholars once taught. Portugal’s most popular poet, Luís de Camões, is one of Coimbra’s alumni.

There’s a buzz in the air that J.K. Rowling may have drawn inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the University of Coimbra for some elements in the Harry Potter universe. Although she has not publicly stated that the University of Coimbra inspired her to write “Harry Potter”, it is known that her travels and experiences living in different cities in Portugal were a source of inspiration for her writing.

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After visiting the Campus, take a stroll through the lush botanical gardens, which are home to various plants, including some rare and exotic species.

The Secrets of Coimbra’s Historic Quinta das Lágrimas Palace and Garden

The palace is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. The gardens date back to the 14th century and have a rich history, including a tragic love story between the Portuguese prince Pedro and a Galician noblewoman, Inês de Castro. Their story has been a source of inspiration for Portuguese artists for centuries, being the subject of numerous poems, ballads, operas, and other works of art that have celebrated the couple’s love.

According to the legend, Pedro, the son of King Afonso IV of Portugal, was deeply in love with Inês, the daughter of a Spanish nobleman. Despite the objections of Pedro’s father, the two of them continued their love affair in secret. When Inês became pregnant with Pedro’s child, King Afonso ordered her to be murdered, and Pedro was forced to go into hiding. After many years of searching, Pedro found Inês’ murderers and killed them in revenge. He then took over the throne of Portugal and declared that Inês had been his lawful wife all along. To honor her memory, Pedro built a palace on the site of her murder and called it Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears).

Today, the palace and garden of Quinta das Lágrimas are popular tourist destinations in Coimbra. Visitors can admire the palace’s beautiful architecture, stroll through its picturesque garden, and learn more about the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a romantic escape, the Quinta das Lágrimas is a must-visit destination in Coimbra.

Coimbra’s Architectural Treasures

Coimbra is home to many beautiful cathedrals, such as  Sé Velha, one of the city’s oldest and most historic churches. It was built in the 12th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal.

The Church of Santa Cruz was built in the 16th century. It is known for its ornate decoration and its association with the Royal House of Portugal.

The New Cathedral, located near the University of Coimbra, is an important architectural landmark in Coimbra and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. The cathedral is home to several important tombs, including those of King João III and his wife, Catherine of Austria.

The Soulful Sounds of Coimbra: The Home of Fado

A unique form of fado is traditional to Coimbra and is performed by students of the university to this day. Fado music is often melancholic and deals with themes of love, loss, and longing. The lyrics are delivered with intense emotion and passion, capturing the essence of Portuguese culture and history. It is usually performed live in small cafes, taverns, and concert halls throughout Portugal. The atmosphere is intimate and the focus is on the singer, who often sings directly to the audience, creating a powerful connection between the performers and the listeners. If you’re looking to experience the soul of Portugal, a Fado performance is a must-see.

Last but not least, the stunning sunset views in Coimbra will leave you speechless and create memories that you’ll cherish forever.

As you bid farewell to Coimbra, you’ll find yourself wondering if this magical city has indeed put a spell on you.

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