Coimbra, Portugal: detailed information, description and interesting facts

The city of Coimbra (Portugal) is a large industrial and economic center of the country. Megapolis is often called the cultural capital of the country, the source of its philosophy and culture. In Coimbra was opened the largest university in Europe, which until the XVI century was the only one in the territory of Portugal. His graduates became such world famous people as Saint Anthony of Padua, poet Camoes and dictator Salazar. The first Portuguese kings are also buried in Coimbra. It is a beautiful city, full of sights and amazing with its splendor.

Coimbra in numbers. Weather in the region

Coimbra in Portugal ranks fifth in size. This is the main cultural center of the state, in which approximately 170 thousand people live. There is a settlement on the coast of the Mondegu River, which is 182 kilometers from the capital. Coimbra is the administrative center of the district with the same name. The area of the city reaches 317 square kilometers. Since this is a university region, the majority of the population is young. Here, mainly the textile and food industries are developed. At a high level is the production of products from porcelain.

The peculiarities of Coimbra (Portugal) are weather conditions. It's much cooler than in Lisbon, but warmer than in Porto. In summer it is very warm, in July the air warms up to +28 degrees. But here in the winter, it's cool enough. In January, thermometer bars can drop as much as five degrees of heat. Autumn and winter are the rainy season. But local climatic conditions like tourists. Travelers like to come here most in the spring, when the heat already fulfills its duties, but has not yet turned into a debilitating heat. However, in summer, in the season of holidays and beaches, Coimbra hosts a large number of guests.

A Brief Historical Reference

The founding of Coimbra in Portugal is connected with the ancient Roman city of Conimbrigi, whose name formed the basis of the name of the modern settlement. The Roman settlement was located 16 kilometers from the present Coimbra. But in the VI century invasions of the Sueves and Vandals forced the population to leave this area. Residents did not want to come back here again and build anew the city. As a new habitat, they chose the territory on the hill of Eminium, on the coast of the Mondegu river. People saved the name of their previous city, but over time they reduced it to Coimbra.

The Moors conquered the village in the VIII century, and already in 878 they were expelled from there. But in one century, they again returned to Coimbra and seized it. In 1064 the troops of Ferdinand the Great finally conquered the settlement. Almost since its founding, Coimbra has played the role of an incredibly important trade and economic hub of the region. During the Middle Ages, it became also the most important scientific center of the state. King Alphonse Henriques in 1139 proclaimed the future metropolis the capital of Portugal. This status was preserved until 1256.

What to see

Numerous and varied attractions of Coimbra (Portugal). An example of a Romanesque style is the church of Se Velho, built in the XII century. The incredibly beautiful Se Nova temple was built in the 16th century by the Jesuits. Its erection was to emphasize the power of the order in the country. And in the unique episcopal palace of the same century, you can see the collection of sculptures of Portugal.

Exploring the southern array of Coimbra, you can visit the ruins of Conimbrigi. They represent the largest archaeological monument in the state. If tourists are going to study the best sights of the city, then it's worth to visit the open-air museum "Portugal dos Pekinitush". The gate to the institution is a wall map depicting all the continents and states of the Earth.

The oldest university in the country

The University of Coimbra (Portugal) is its visiting card and the most outstanding tourist attraction. It was founded according to the order of King Danish I of Portugal in 1290. The educational institution operated faculties of law, art, canon law and medicine. In the year of the beginning of its work the university was recognized by Pope Nicholas IV. At first the university was located in Lisbon, but in 1308 it was transferred to Coimbra.

For two hundred years, the institution "roamed": it was located in Lisbon, then again in Coimbra. In 1537 the university finally "moved" to the building of the royal palace in the first capital of Portugal. Gradually, the university expanded, its colleges and faculties were located in different parts of the settlement. They occupy buildings of historical significance, which are architectural and cultural monuments of the world scale.

What students are taught

The leading faculties of the university are mathematical, medical and legal. Feedback from students about the University of Coimbra in Portugal shows that the teaching here is conducted at the highest level.

Especially good knowledge is given in such disciplines as chemistry, biology, mechanical engineering and construction technology. The humanitarian branch, especially foreign languages, art history and history with archeology is considered very strong here.

Students like scientific research, conducted by the university. They are organized in the field of fundamental and applied disciplines. Those who have completed their studies and are still studying at the University of Coimbra, speak about this institution only in the best way. They say that teachers try to find an approach to each student and always help in their studies.

Interesting about Coimbra

The city of Coimbra in Portugal is interesting because many famous people were born here. We have already mentioned some of them. But, in addition to these people, successful football players appeared here - Miguel Luis Pinto Velozu and Ze Castro. The first is the midfielder of Kiev "Dynamo" and the national team of Portugal. The second - the defender of the Portuguese football club "Rayo Vallecano". The popular car racer Philip Miguel was also born here.

Reviews and comments

Every tourist who visited the city of Coimbra in Portugal, reviews about him leaves terrific. According to travelers, it is impossible not to fall in love with this place. It captivates the heart at first sight. In it, the historical past is successfully combined with modern civilization. The sights, the university and the local nature are forever in the heart.

Many travelers say that they did not see the best city in their life, and are sure that they will not be able to find a more magnificent and beautiful place on Earth. In their comments, people mention that this settlement gives off the spirit of the Middle Ages and seems to endure in the era of knights and beautiful ladies.