Top Coimbra Art & Culture - page 2

Watching the candle procession is a chilling and fascinating experience. Contact with God is always present in this breathtaking atmosphere

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Dating back to medieval times, the mountainous villages surrounding Coimbra are like something from a fairy tale, but navigating the winding roads alone can be stressful. This private half-day trip transports you through the traditional villages of Lousa, providing cultural context and translation that you’d struggle to get if you were on your own.

Portugal’s humble village of Fatima is home to an extraordinary religious event. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover the remarkable story of three young shepherd children who claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. You’ll walk from their modest homes to the magnificent sanctuary that now attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Along the way, you’ll hear about the miracle that transformed this rural community into one of Catholicism’s most sacred sites. The tour starts at Francisco and Jacinta’s house, where you’ll glimpse the simple life of these peasant children through the preserved family home. You’ll find out how the children’s visions culminated in the famous “Miracle of the Sun” which was witnessed by approximately 70,000 people on October 13, 1917. The tour ends at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, where the three visionaries – Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia – now rest.

Our journey begins at the feet of the King who founded this legacy, D. Dinis. From there, we will embark on a captivating voyage through the centuries, tracing the dramatic evolution of Coimbra from its ancient Roman roots to the bustling academic hub it is today. You will discover how the university transformed not just minds, but the very architectural and urban landscape of the city. I invite you to step through time with me to visit the ancient palace of the first king, a breathtaking gold-over-blue chapel, and the magnificent golden Baroque library. After soaking in all this deep knowledge and rich history, I invite you to take a well-deserved rest with me at the historic Botanical Garden. Beneath its canopy of exotic trees and hidden pathways, we will unwind and let the spirit of the city truly sink in.

Founded by the Romans as "Aeminium", Coimbra buzzes with life till today. We'll gather downtown near the river, where the music of street performers meets the daily hustle of one of Coimbra's most iconic streets. Surrounded by small streets that weave in and out of the main road, you'll learn about the churches and the stories they keep within their walls. We'll get to know these places more intimately, and we'll stop for a coffee or a snack along the way. Up the hilly way we go to take in view and get acquaintance with the University, academic culture in Coimbra, and its many quirks. After getting to know the University we'll make our way just down the road by the impressive Roma aqueduct, and enter the country's most important botanical garden where you'll learn of its origins and relevance that it still holds today. The plaza where the students gather in the late afternoons, by entrance of the magical Mermaid Garden, awaits you at the end of your journey. - What are you waiting for?

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.

Learn all about Fatima today in this half day guided tour. You'll have plenty of stops along the way, and be driven to each in an air conditioning, private vehicle. Your guide will be an English speaker, and they will explain the history and significance of the places you see along the way. Visit churches, chapels, and significant houses along the tour today.

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.

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

Discover the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, founded in the 13th century. Even today it is one of the most prestigious and recognized universities in the world. Discover the history, heritage and academic traditions on a private guided tour by former students of this ancient educational institution, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2013. Enjoy a complete private tour, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the places at the University of Coimbra most visited by tourists and other lesser-known places, to get the best out of your view. As the tour is private, challenge the guide with your personal tastes and interests and they will do everything they can to personalize your experience.

Step into the world of the Knights Templar on this immersive self-guided walking tour of Tomar. The legendary order didn’t just defend pilgrims—they founded this remarkable city. You’ll explore Praça da República, where Gualdim Pais established Tomar in 1160, visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the final resting place of Templar grand masters, and stroll through the Seven Hills National Forest, once the knights’ agricultural heart. Discover the gripping story of their rise and fall before ending at the imposing Castelo de Tomar, where a brilliant defense helped them defeat Moorish invaders. Along the way, see Portugal’s oldest synagogue, an ancient Arabic waterwheel, and more. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this tour brings Tomar’s past to life!

Schist villages have already been dubbed “magic villages”, their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures, which date back to medieval times, emanate an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are found due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities. During this adventure, we will take you to discover some of the most beautiful Schist villages in Serra da Lousã, as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer… In the afternoon we will visit Penacova, the village “where Nature lives”, where “you can breathe good air”, a place that awaits you and where the Mondego river will guide you! Follow and listen to the melody of the waters of the River Mondego and the River Alva, feel the “good air” of Penacova contouring your face and discover windmills and watermills while the green mountains will accompany you.

Discover some of the Coimbra region’s most spectacular ancient ruins and natural attractions—and enjoy a fully personalized sightseeing experience—on this private, half-day tour. Following pickup from your Coimbra hotel, head via private vehicle to the Serra de Sicó. You’ll visit the Buracas of Casmilo—dramatic natural caves—will tour local villages, and will soak up the tranquil pace. Then, head to the Conímbriga Roman Ruins and see the highlights of the archaeological site.

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.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Coimbra with TouringBee's convenient mobile guide on your smartphone. This itinerary is specifically crafted to allow you to explore the city's attractions within a brief span of 1.5-2 hours. Experience the charm of quaint streets and lookout points, intriguing tales, and local folklore. Navigate the route at your leisure, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause at a café or detour to explore an intriguing side street, and return to the route whenever you wish. If you have just one day to visit Coimbra, spend it with a TouringBee audio guide and gain more insights than those who have spent a week there.

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

Schist villages have already been called “magic villages”, their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures dating back to medieval times exude an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are located due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities. During this adventure we will take you to know some of the most beautiful schist villages of Serra da Lousã as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer… It includes a jeep ride through the Lousã mountain range and a visit to the beautiful Schist villages in the morning and a walk of about 6 km and an intermediate level of difficulty in the afternoon along some of the most beautiful trails in the mountain.

If you’re a history buff, don’t miss this private tour focusing on sights significant to the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order. You’ll be able to ask as many questions as you like as you explore with your guide, who gives you ample time at historic gems such as Almourol Castle and the medieval town of Tomar.

On this tour of Açor Mountain we invite participants to a rural experience where nature is queen. After pick up in Coimbra we head towards the Historic Village of Piódão. We get lost walking through the steep and narrow labyrinthine streets where we are easily surprised by the architectural beauty of every corner. At lunchtime, we suggest a typical restaurant to taste the local delicacy, the Chanfana. On the way back to Coimbra, in the Protected Area of Mata da Margaraça, we walked for a while to realize the biodiversity of the abundant spontaneous vegetation in the forest. We also include a visit to the Fraga da Pena waterfall. Right next door, we also visit the Schist Village of Benfeita and after walking through the charming village, we head towards the starting point, in Coimbra.