Top Beiras Art & Culture - page 2

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.

Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital. Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes. Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral. Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.

Join the most complete University of Coimbra tour, led by a local History graduate. As a private experience, the visit can be tailored to your interests and pace. Discover the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest university and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1290, it has shaped generations of students and scholars for more than seven centuries. Visit the magnificent Joanina Library, Royal Palace and St. Michael’s Chapel while uncovering the stories behind their architecture, traditions and academic heritage. Go beyond the highlights and discover the Cabinet of Curiosities, Academic Museum, Mineralogy Cabinet and the historic Chemical Laboratory (Laboratório Chimico). Explore rare scientific instruments, natural history collections and centuries of student traditions. With tickets included, this tour offers the most complete way to experience the University of Coimbra.

Experience the epic tale of the Knights Templar in Tomar on this exclusive full-day guided tour. This is more than a tour—it's a meticulously crafted historical narrative that chronologically traces the Templars' story, from their origins to their enduring legacy in Tomar. Your journey begins at the Convent of Christ, the heart of this tale. Explore how the Templars' fortress transformed over the centuries, evolving from a powerful military stronghold into a magnificent architectural testament to their influence. Our guide will reveal the story behind the architecture, from the superb Knights Templar Round Church to the majestic Manueline Window. The narrative continues in the afternoon, where you will explore Tomar's old town. Discover how this medieval settlement flourished under their guidance. With our expert guide, you will gain a profound and engaging understanding of the Templars’ pivotal role in Portuguese history. This is the story of Tomar, told as it happened.

Discover the oldest university in Portugal, founded in the 13th century, and one of the oldest in Europe. Even today, it is one of the most prestigious and recognised universities in the world. Join a small group walking tour led by former students to discover the university's history, heritage and academic traditions. The university has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2013. Enjoy a comprehensive tour and have the opportunity to visit some of the University of Coimbra's most notable highlights. Please note that visits to the Joanina Library are subject to availability during the tour. The guide will purchase tickets for the University of Coimbra at the beginning of the tour. If there are no time slots available for visiting the Joanina Library, we will visit other attractions at the university instead. Refunds will not be given if the Joanina Library is not available during the tour.

Explore the legacy left by the Jewish community in the city and learn about its passage here, always keeping the national context in mind. When did the Jews arrive? When did they leave and why, and how did they leave the country? Where did they live in Coimbra? What is your importance and legacy in the city and in the country? What connects Coimbra/Portugal to the Second World War? These are some of the questions we will try to answer along the way. To know places in Coimbra linked to its Jewish past, some of great national and international importance (such as the Inquisition Courtyard, or the Jewish Quarter). Discover the incredible legacy of the Jewish community in Coimbra. On this tour, if the reservation is made in advance, and depending on the availability of the Coimbra City Hall, I can request a visit to the historic Mikveh (the visit to the site will be with a guide from the City Hall).

Venture to one of Portugal’s most-visited Catholic shrines on this small-group, full-day tour. Following pickup from your Lisbon hotel, head to Fátima, where you can see the Sanctuary, attend a mass, and view the location of the 1917 apparitions. You’ll also see the house of one of the shepherd children said to have witnessed the apparition, and will finally explore the Castle of Óbidos (followed by a ginginha tasting).

Uncover the rich history and stunning architecture of Coimbra on this guided walking tour. Visit the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the beauty of the Joanina Library, renowned for its Baroque interiors. Explore the medieval streets of the city as you descend through the Arco de Almedina and visit the historic Church of Santa Cruz, the burial site of Portugal's first king. This immersive experience connects key landmarks while providing insights into Coimbra’s academic and cultural legacy.

The whole story of my life is linked to Our Lady of Fátima and the Little Shepherds. Daughter of Portuguese immigrant parents in Brazil, both from the Fátima region, I feel that I carry with me a hereditary responsibility, since my maternal grandfather was a cousin of the Pastorinhos Jacinta and Francisco. This is an experience prepared with a lot of commitment and care so that you can look through the constructions of the Sanctuary of Fátima to what they lead us to contemplate. On our guided tour you will learn what the foundations of the message of Fatima are, many unforgettable stories and we will also make a brief spiritual portrait of the Three Little Shepherds of Fatima.

Visit remote places up in the mountains outside Coimbra that take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach on this private tour of the schist villages around Lousã Mountain. Drive up into the mountains to see a series of these scenic villages made of shale stone, some of which will involve hiking to reach and passing through forest home to local wildlife. Places on this tour are limited to travelers.

On this tour we will visit the most popular places southwest of Coimbra. In Fátima we will go to Aljustrel, the place where the little shepherds lived and in the Sanctuary we will visit the Basilicas and the Apparições Chapel. We continue to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. Imposing, it stands out for its monumentality and the stone tracery on the outside, marks that make it easily identifiable. After Batalha we drive towards the sea, to the village of Nazaré where we will begin our visits at the Sanctuary, Sítio, Northern Beach to view the waves and ending in the labyrinthine and narrow streets of the village. At a time to be agreed, we will return to the starting point, Coimbra.

Discover the old capital of Portugal, Coimbra, on a private walking tour around the city. Learn about the rich history of this ancient city as you visit key landmarks such as the University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library, the Monastery of Santa Cruz located in the Moorish part of the city, and the Old Cathedral.

Don’t settle for surface-level exploration of Tomar, the former global headquarters of the Knights Templar. Instead, delve deeper into the town’s rich history on a private walking tour that lets you explore at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like. Plus, you won’t have to worry about prebooking entry tickets for the Convent of Christ, as they’re included.

Coimbra, a city of students, a city where we learn to say saudade, a city full of charms and nooks where sections of the old wall will guide us in an adventure full of history, memories and wisdom. We will start this adventure along the banks of the river Mondego, where we will cross a pedestrian colored bridge, the Pedro and Ines Bridge, towards the Tollgate. On this bridge, you still have the privilege of contemplating a great panoramic view to the magnificent city of Coimbra and surrounding mountains. Along this route, the vast historical, cultural and natural heritage of this city awakens, in each one of us, the desire to set out on an adventure. An adventure to discover the history and mysteries hidden along the streets and staircases, from the downtown area to the high zone of the city, an adventure to get to know the old walled city and the oldest University of Europe, the University of Coimbra.

In this tour, we'll discover the Holy City of Fátima and the historical towns of Óbidos, Alcobaça and Batalha, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Batalha and Alcobaça Monasteries, and Nazaré. We'll start with Fátima, and visit the Sanctuary and the Chapel of Apparitions. We will then meet the Batalha Monastery in all of its glory. After Batalha, we'll go to Alcobaça, and you'll be in awe with the pure beauty of the city centered Monastery, which in itself houses a beautiful royal love story. With a brief visit, you'll leave Alcobaça with a wide smile (even wider if you taste the pastries!). This tour wouldn't be complete without gazing at the Sea. We'll go to Nazaré, the famous fishing village that sometimes has 30-meter waves (you might even be lucky enough to see one!). Enjoy the atmosphere present in this wonder of a village! To top it all off, we'll visit Óbidos and appreciate the historical walls which present breathtaking views! We're sure you'll love it!

Uncover the True Legacy of the Knights Templar in Tomar! Join us on a journey through the Templar stronghold of Tomar, where history and mystery collide. Explore the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site, with its iconic Charola (Templar Rotunda), stunning Manueline architecture, and hidden Order of Christ symbols. Learn about the 1190 Almohad siege, the Templars’ transformation, and their role in Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Visit Santa Maria do Olival, the burial site of Templar Masters, and stroll through medieval streets where knights once walked. Marvel at the Aqueduct of Pegões, an engineering wonder. Along the way, we separate fact from myth, revealing the true Templar story. Whether you're a history lover or a curious traveller, this immersive experience will bring the past to life. Book now and step into the world of the Templars!

pensar em Portugal é pensar na sua fascinante história, rica em conquistas/descobertas e momentos memoráveis. Desde a fundação até aos dias de hoje, preservamos com orgulho tradições e costumes

During this tour we will take you to explore archaeological monuments dating back to the 4th century BC. that were used in the beginning as a way of remembering and adoring their dead. During this adventure you can get to know several Dolmens / Orcas (from Fiais da Telha, Ameal, Palheira among others) as well as several granite outcrops that fed the imagination of our ancestors leading to the emergence of several stories and legends. Halfway through our tour, you will still have the opportunity to taste some of the regional products that will surely make your mouth water. All this will always be accompanied by breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable demonstrations of Nature.

Explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal—Tomar, Batalha, and Alcobaça—in just one day when you book this private excursion from Coimbra. Dive into the history of the “Templar City,” witness the grandeur of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, and marvel at Alcobaça Monastery, which features a mix of Gothic and baroque architecture.

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.

Discover one of Portugal’s most important religious landmarks (and UNESCO World Heritage sites) on this private tour of the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Meet your guide right outside the landmark (or opt for pickup from your hotel), head right in (tickets own expense), and soak up this 14th-century convent’s spectacular interiors. The landmark was once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, and you’ll learn all about its wealth of history.

Discover the Convent of Christ through the eyes of people who truly know Tomar. Our small-group English tour combines authentic local knowledge with carefully researched Portuguese history. One of our founders has lived in Tomar for almost 50 years and holds a Master's degree with distinction in Cultural Tourism Product Development. Our guides were born and raised in Tomar, bringing genuine local knowledge and a passion for its Templar heritage. Our interpretation is grounded primarily in Portuguese academic research and specialist studies of Tomar, the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ. The Templar dimension is also curated with the contribution of an active member of a contemporary Portuguese Templar Order, adding a specialist perspective on this living heritage. We clearly distinguish historical evidence from legend and speculation, while making the past engaging and memorable. History without myths. Mystery without fiction. Your ticket is included.

Explore Portugal's rich heritage on a private tour departing from Fátima. Visit the impressive Monastery of Batalha, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, and delve into the tragic love story at the Monastery of Alcobaça, which houses the tombs of D. Pedro and D. Inês. The journey continues to Nazaré, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the clifftop Sítio viewpoint and experience the local culture at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré. This exclusive tour allows up to 7 people, making it perfect for families or groups looking for a personalized experience. - Discover Portugal's cultural and religious highlights on a private tour - Visit the iconic Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça - Enjoy stunning views from Nazaré's Sítio viewpoint - Includes pick-up and drop-off in Fátima for your convenience

The Roman Empire had an enormous weight in our culture and the evidence of this can be found a bit everywhere in the Sicó area. In this adventure we will start to discover the complex of the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga where you can contemplate the architectural capability of the Roman people and how they lived. From here we will head towards another “ex-libris” of this region, the Casmilo Holes, majestic geological formations that were once complexes of underground caves that are now exposed to the surface. All this and much more is what we will discover in this adventure... ENTRY INCLUDED