One of Europe’s oldest universities
Coimbra
Coimbra · Ancient university on the Mondego
A hilltop city crowned by one of the world’s oldest universities, Coimbra hums with student traditions, black-caped scholars and its own melancholic style of fado. Its baroque library is among the most beautiful on earth.
Top sightsSights
University of Coimbra
A UNESCO campus founded in 1290 with a royal palace.
Joanina Library
A gilded baroque library guarded by resident bats.
Old Cathedral (Sé Velha)
A fortress-like Romanesque cathedral.
Fado ao Centro
A venue for the city’s distinctive male fado.
Portugal dos Pequenitos
A whimsical park of miniature Portuguese landmarks.
What to eatFood
Chanfana
Goat slow-cooked in red wine, a regional classic.
Leitão
Roast suckling pig from the nearby Bairrada region.
Pastéis de Santa Clara
Almond-and-egg pastries from local convents.
Good to know
- Time a visit for a Coimbra fado performance in the evening.
- The university sits atop a steep hill — pace the climb.
- It is a handy stop between Lisbon and Porto by train.
Getting there
Coimbra is on the main Lisbon–Porto rail line, roughly midway between the two.
Next city
Funchal