Medieval Coimbra Architecture Tours: Explore Portugal's Historic Heart

On this walking tour you’ll discover all of Coimbra’s main attractions. It’s the perfect way to discover the city if you only have a few hours. If you have more time, this is also the best way to get na introduction. Then you can take advantage of the tips given on the tour to explore some aspects in more detail in the following days. Don’t just limit yourself to a few historical anecdotes about the city. Take a tour led by a guide registered with the national tourist office, but in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. Get the knowledge, context and experience from a local. With this tour you will get: - Na overview of the city’s history - Passage through all of Coimbra’s main attractions - Knowledge of the most important academic traditions - Tips on restaurants and best places for photos and panoramic views - A quick reference guide to the city in paper or pdf format

Venture into the heart of Coimbra’s historical centre on a self-guided audio tour. On this walk, the audio will guide you through downtown Coimbra, called Baixa, where you’ll traverse its narrow streets and church-adorned squares. You'll walk through the city’s old medieval gates to Cidade Alta where you’ll see the Old and New Cathedrals. Most of this historical area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. You'll hear about the style of Fado music unique to Coimbra and see some of the city’s Roman ruins. You'll hear about its early beginnings, and the history of Coimbra's university and its traditions. The tour ends at the university campus, where you’ll be treated to amazing views over the city and Mondego River. This walking tour can be enjoyed on location or even virtually at home with VoiceMap's Continuous Play function which disables the GPS playback. So, roam the cobbled streets, echoing with the mournful sounds of Fado and the memories of times past.

Don't miss the chance to get to know Coimbra in a unique and unforgettable way! Book your place on the Alta and Sofia walking tour now. Discover its historical and cultural essence on a exciting walking tour by a world heritage site. Explore the unique narrow streets, charming squares and ancient monuments. The visit begins at the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, with its fascinating panoramic view over the city. Then, passing by the Sé velha we will cross the Almedina arch, one of the medieval entrances to the city, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant life of Baixa de Coimbra. Here you will find picturesque streets, traditional shops and restaurants with authentic Portuguese cuisine. Luckly we will experience a spontaneous Fado performance, a unique musical style that emerged in the city in the early 20th century. Delight in the soulful sound of guitars and voices echoing through the cobbled Coimbra streets.

Coimbra was home to a substantial Jewish community between the 900s and 1500s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover its dramatic past in one of Portugal’s most historic cities. You’ll also hear lesser-known stories about its cultural resilience and survival. The tour starts in Largo da Portagem, the grand square beside the Mondego River. You’ll follow the city’s main pedestrian street towards the old Jewish Quarter, past medieval stone walls and a labyrinth of steep streets where centuries of drama unfolded. You’ll stop outside the house of Aristides de Sousa Mendes where you’ll find out how, despite Aristides’ courage during dark historical moments, he suffered social, political and economic retaliation and ended his life alone and impoverished.

This is an exclusive of mine, product of continuous research of GO! Walks Portugal guides and city archaeologists through the years! During this guided tour I will walk you through the memories of Jewish Coimbra. The first signs of the Jewish presence in Coimbra date back to the 10th Century, signaled by the transaction of land properties in a nearby village. We know that later, during the rule of D. Afonso Henriques, some guarantees and lands were granted to this community, which expanded through all the Portuguese territory up to the 16th century. More than just buildings or material testimonies of the Jewish presence, this is a tour about the rich history and culture of this community.

Although Coimbra was only classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 (when both its monuments and academic traditions were recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations agency for Education, Science and Culture), it’s safe to say that this “City of Knowledge” hides unexpected surprises at every corner! With the unique beauty of its historic buildings and the distinctive atmosphere shaped by centuries of student traditions, Coimbra offers an unforgettable sense of place. During this walking tour through the Historic Center, we will explore the many reasons behind its World Heritage status, moving from Downtown to Uptown while unveiling its role in the History of Portugal and the material and immaterial heritage found within the classified area. Led by a local resident and former student of the country’s oldest university, this visit will make you fall in love with Coimbra.

Visit, on foot, the most iconic sites of the city of Coimbra, such as the University of Coimbra, Sé Nova, Sé Velha, Torre de Almedina, the historic center of the city and the church of Santa Cruz, accompanied by a Guide, Expert in History, Art History, Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Get to know some of the traditions of Coimbra’s students and experience the city’s medieval mysticism live. You do not enter any monument, except the Church of Santa Cruz, if there is no Mass. If there are reservations in Portuguese and English for the same time, the visit will be made in English, if it is not possible to arrange a Guide for each language.

Fado is one of Portugal’s most emblematic musical styles. On this self-guided audio tour around the medieval perimeter of Coimbra you’ll discover that, for many people, the city’s music, rituals, and intangible heritage are even more important than its monuments and iconic buildings. The tour begins at Largo da Portagem, a square in downtown Coimbra. From there, you’ll explore the most iconic sights within the historical area, while you listen to the sweet sounds of Fado music. You'll learn more about this musical genre and the differences between Coimbra and Lisbon’s variations. Admire part of the original city walls at Torre de Anto, take in the oldest café in town, Café Santa Cruz, and visit Diligência Bar with its spectacular carved Ançã stone. Stand outside the impressive Old Cathedral and learn the difference between Street Serenades and Monumental Serenades before ending in a UNESCO-protected street at Museum of Music of Coimbra, where you can see a live show.

Discover the history of Coimbra on a guided tour of the city's castles. Learn about the city's military fortresses and the role they played in the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. During the ascendancy of D. Afonso Henriques, he focused heavily on in the protection of the city, as it was essential for the conquest of the territory. At this time they were created a set of buildings and military fortresses that made it possible to fill the gap security and protect the city. At this time, the first king D. Afonso Henriques was fighting against Moors and Muslims and other communities that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula, through the conquest of kingdom. This network of castles was fundamental not only to protect the city of Coimbra, which at the time it was the place where the court was established, but also to guarantee the stability necessary for the continuation of the conquest of the south.

The city of Coimbra was the first capital of the kingdom of Portugal, but its history goes back much further. It came to prominence in Roman times, but it was during the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula that the city of Coimbra became instrumental in consolidating the formation of the kingdom of Portugal, the oldest nation-state in Europe. That’s why this city has some of the most impressive medieval monuments in Portuguese history, which we invite you to discover in the company of local guides who were former students at the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal.

This private day tour will take you to the Medieval capital of Portugal for more than one hundred years, also a place of students having one of the greatest universities of Portugal for over five hundred years. Coimbra being one of the most historical cities is a place of beautiful views and beautiful historical buildings on the hill side of the east bank of Mondego, a truly amazing and beautiful city, during the students season we can see the black clothes traditional from the Coimbra students, the republicas ( shared houses for students) and the coffees and bars filled with people. In the summer you can hear on the streets the sounds of the portuguese guitar together with the voices of the students singing the fado of Coimbra.

Discover the historic charm of Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the picturesque canals of Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal.” Experience rich culture, stunning architecture, and traditional cuisine on this memorable day trip. Enjoy a traditional Moliceiro boat ride, included in the tour.

Come discover a little of Portugal with me, explore beyond Porto, discover why Portugal is a country of so much beauty, come to lesser known and more typical cities, where you can get to know a little of the true Portuguese culture, discover the local cuisine. enjoy a day out of the big cities, and the bustle of those cities, enjoy the rural Portugal.

Embark on a private journey to uncover the enchanting cities of Coimbra and Aveiro with an expert guide. Begin in Coimbra, a former Portuguese capital rich in history and culture. Wander its medieval streets and admire landmarks like the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest. Discover the poignant love story of King Pedro I and Dona Inês at their burial site, and immerse yourself in the city’s poetic charm, enhanced by the soulful strains of Fado. In the afternoon, visit Aveiro, the "Venice of Portugal," known for its scenic canals and vibrant "moliceiro" boats. Explore this Roman-era city’s unique waterways, captivating architecture, and lively ambiance. Savor the iconic "ovos moles," a local pastry that’s a true delight. With personalized insights from your private guide, uncover the hidden gems and rich heritage of these two captivating destinations, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Located in central Portugal, Fatima is one of the most emblematic places of pilgrimage, from the apparitions of Our Lady to the three shepherds, on May 13, 1917. The city of Batalha owes its origin to its monastery, which was built as a way of thanking the Virgin Mary for the victory of the Portuguese in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. Surrounded by hills, Alcobaça dates back to Roman times. Its development was around the Monastery of Alcobaça, where D. Pedro and D. Inês de Castro are buried, who lived a beautiful love story with a tragic end. Óbidos is a charming medieval romantic village surrounded by 16th century walls. XII, which involve streets and monuments full of history and culture.