UNESCO: University of Coimbra and Uppertown Sofia (2013)
Coimbra, capital of Beira Litoral Province, named Aeminium by the Romans in 400ad, was also the former capital of the Kingdom of Portugal. One of the most beautiful cities of Portugal, keeps several historical monuments, medieval churches and the most important library in Portugal! Stored treasures and rare single volumes from various fields of knowledge. Coimbra, located on the River Mondego, is in the geographical center of Portugal, it has more charm in the streets of the famous academic republics, medieval narrow streets, with courtyards, arches and eaves flowers, cafes, galleries and bookstores.
Coimbra also housed the forbidden love of King Pedro I and the Spanish Galicia Lady Inês de Castro, who was executed by order of King Afonso IV, who saw the danger in this love of a subjugation to Castile. Inspiring poets and writers, its history remains part of the city's heritage.
Coimbra’s historical characters:
City where Afonso Henriques is buried, the first King of Portugal, 12th century.
City where St. Anthony studied, 13th century.
City where Saint Queen Isabel lived and is buried, 14th century.
Birthplace and where Luís de Camões studied, 16th century.
City where Eca de Queiroz studied, 19th century.
City where Almeida Garrett studied, 19th century.
City where Antero de Quental studied, 19th century.
City where Manuel de Arriaga studied, 1st President of the Portuguese Republic, 19th – 20th century.
City where Zeca Afonso studied, symbol of the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974.
Morning
During the morning we visit the eastern side of the city, where Queen Isabel lived, famous for the Roses Miracle. Visit the interior of the Monastery of Santa Clara Nova (XVII), where the Saint Queen is buried.
Photostop in Quinta das Lagrimas, where King Pedro I and the Spanish Galicia Lady Inês de Castro lived their forbidden love and where she was later beheaded by 3 assassins by a famous fountain - fountain of tears.
Photostop at the famous Penedo da Saudade, a romantic garden, favorite place of many students / poets of the University of Coimbra.
Free Lunch at a local restaurant with traditional food.
Afternoon
During the afternoon we'll take a nice walk along the western part of the city, this is the best way to explore the narrow streets of Coimbra full of history, monuments and academic traditions.
We start at the University of Coimbra (1290): Here you can see some of the most precious treasures of the University, the Baroque Library (National Monument), the Chapel of St. Miguel, the Via Latina, the Hall of Capelos, the Rectory, the Iron Gate and the Archive.
Visit the Old Cathedral (1162) in Romanesque style, one of the oldest temples in Portugal.
New Cathedral (1598) Jesuit Temple and former school.
Academic Quarter, where we can see the various academic republics, private houses where students live today, and where illustrious Portuguese poets once lived.
Almedina, gateway to the ancient Moorish walled city.
Inquisition Courtyard, where catholic convictions made thousands of deaths through Fire to witches, Jews, and other infidels.
St. James Church, a must-pass for all pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela.
We finish in Santa Cruz Church (1131), founded by the 1st King of Portugal and where he is buried next to his son. It was here where St. Anthony graduated as an Augustine monk.
Free time for shopping and taste regional sweets.
Included:
Transportation by new spacious air-conditioned van
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