Top Coimbra Arts & Design

Explore Coimbra’s religious history and art on a guided walking tour through engaging storytelling. Begin at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, a 17th-century convent built for the Poor Clares after floods forced them to abandon their previous monastery. Continue to the Monastery of Santa Cruz, where you can see the tombs of the First King of Portugal and admire the unique azulejo tiles in the church. Here you will learn how the Augustinian Canons helped make medieval Coimbra a major center of learning long before the University of Coimbra gained international recognition. At the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, discover one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Portugal. Along the way, also see the ruins of Santa Clara-a-Velha, the Church of Santiago, the Convent of São Francisco, the Torre de Almedina, and the New Cathedral. This is a tour designed for those who enjoy history in-depth, but also want to experience Coimbra on foot, in a way that feels unhurried, and memorable.

On this walking tour you’ll discover all of Coimbra’s main attractions starting on top of the hill until downtown. Old and New cathedrals tickets are included. 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 an 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 certified 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: - An 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