Coimbra Things to Do

If you are not a nightbird, and if nevertheless you want to meet Coimbra's fado, just visit Fado ao centro : 3 times a day, it is possible to discover the songs (that means, not just fados, but also students' songs) of that city, with, included in the show, a glass of Port wine. It is really a pleasant and sympathetic spot, run by a small local team.

I just found a fabulous place in Coimbra, called FADO AO CENTRO. It's a Cultural Association where you can see for free a photo exhibition about the University Traditions and get some information about the city and what to do.
You can also see a Fado shows for a small amount of money, 30 minutes of live performance including a video about the history of Fado from Coimbra. It's a really nice tradition in the University of this city that makes part of the students life and it's different from Fado from Lisbon.
Fado from Coimbra it's unique: only students or former students from the University of Coimbra can sing and play it, and mostly Man... because it's love songs to the girls and the tradition talks about midnight Serenades in the streets, just like Romeo and Juliet romance. Wonderful!

I arrived in Coimbra on a weekend. My visits to churches coincided with Sunday Mass (note that Portugal is predominantly Catholic). When I walked into Sé Velha, I didn't realize that mass was going on and I was goofing off with a broom sweeping the floor. I certainly got a lot of evil stares from those in prayer (although I truly wasn't trying to be a distraction).

This Gothic styled church was built fortress-like in the 12th century on top of an old Moorish mosque. The church is most noted as the site where the Coimbra University tradition of singing fado (Coimbra style: read my intro) and burning ribbons occurs when each class graduates every May.

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It's a given. You're traveling to Coimbra to see the famed University. It's the life of this city. The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290, making it the third oldest in Europe. However, the University did not take home to this campus until 1537. The current campus was once the Royal Palace of Coimbra.

This world-renowned university is the most famed in Portugal; I have known foreigners to study here for various reasons. Perhaps the most entertaining time to visit is in the beginning of May when the annual "Queima das Fitas" (ribbon burning festival) is held. Read my local customs tips for more information.

The Torre (tower) in the 2nd picture is affectionately called "cabra" (goat).

Coimbra's ancient cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. Built in the 12th century on the site of a Moorish mosque, it boasts a fine Flemish carved retable above the high altar and a Cistercian cloister containing an impressive 16th-century limestone relief of the Holy Family.

Largo da Portagem is the main entrance to the city. You'll find many nice buildindings including the Portagem building and the Hotel Astoria building.
From here the lower town spreads out principally along the busy and happening Rua Ferreira Borges to the next main square, Praca do Comercio.

Roman church with three naves, separated by square and circular sets of pillars.
Inside, it is worth admiring the chapel of St. Peter, from the 15th century, and the 18th-century wood retable.
The entrance portal is formed by arches supported by pillars with naturalistic decorations.

The church that now exists dates from the 18th century, but the original construction was built in the 12th century.

The portal and the two belltowers are worthy of notice. Inside, the single nave ends at the main chapel, where there is a marble and gilded wood-work retable from the 18th century. It is also worth admiring the paintings by Pascoal Parente.