Coimbra - a charming historic city, Portugal, 4k

Описание: #portugal #coimbra
This walking tour takes place in Coimbra, a charming historic city with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
Date: August 30, 2022.
Location: Coimbra, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 40°12'26.4"N 8°25'46.2"W

--------------- Video chapters:
0:00 Synthesis
0:50 Downtown
1:47 The Door of Barbacã and the Tower of Almedina
2:36 Old Coimbra
4:40 The Old Cathedral
5:04 The student residences called Republics of Coimbra
5:50 The University of Coimbra
11:47 The Botanical Garden
13:40 The Monastery and Church of Santa Cruz
14:27 Downtown
16:39 The Church of São Tiago
18:04 The Church of São Bartolomeu
18:50 The Train Station
19:53 The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
21:29 The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

-------------- Places visited on this tour:

Located in the center of Portugal, Coimbra has a mystique of its own, the result of a past full of history – it was the second capital of Portugal (the first was Guimarães) until 1255, when the capital became Lisbon.
Coimbra is a well-preserved medieval city centered on the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, famous for its Baroque library, the Joanina Library.

Other historic monuments orbit around the university: the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), a Romanesque cathedral from the 12th century, the monastery and the Church of Santa Cruz, an icon of Manueline architecture where the first kings of Portugal lie, and an ancient aqueduct that introduces the Botanical Garden of 18th century where its exotic plants shine.

Coimbra has a lot of tradition linked to academic life and has two festive academic events: Latada, opening event of the school year (October-November) and the Ribbon Burning (Queima das Fitas), at the end of the school year, in May, with concerts and parades throughout a whole week.

The arch of the Door and Tower of Almedina, the most imposing and emblematic of the towers that made up the circular walled fence that delimited the city since the Roman occupation. Although built for defensive purposes, the Tower of Almedina was the seat of municipal political power on several occasions.

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra has austere and defensive lines, is set halfway up the slope, dates from the 12th century and seems to retain the wisdom of time. It is very similar to the Cathedral of Lisbon because the construction of both was carried out by Master Roberto at the behest of King D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

The University of Coimbra is the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe. It was founded by D. Dinis in the distant year of 1290, and moved back and forth between Lisbon and Coimbra, until D. João III permanently settled it in Coimbra in 1537. UNESCO recognized the university as a World Heritage Site in 2013.

Access to the historic core of the University of Coimbra is via the iron door, surmounted by the figure of wisdom. Entering the Paço das Escolas, we can see the Royal Palace decorated with a sublime neoclassical arcade called Via Latina, the University Tower with clocks on each side and the “Cabra” (its most famous bell) and the Chapel of São Miguel with a beautiful Manueline portal.

But the big star is unequivocally the Joanina Library. It is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Detailed painted ceilings, carved tropical wood and decoration in gilded carving, in keeping with the Portuguese Baroque style. Unfortunately, filming is not allowed.

The high point where the University is located has a privileged view over the Mondego River and the Botanical Garden.

Close to the university we have the Aqueduct of São Sebastião, also known as Garden Archs, it is the prelude to the Botanical Garden. This green space is one of the city's favourites, with the wide avenue lined with linden trees inviting you to take a long walk around the Large Greenhouse and the Fountain.

Downtown, in Praça 8 de Maio, is one of the greatest ex-libris of Coimbra, the Monastery and Church of Santa Cruz. This Romanesque monastery was founded in 1131 and inside the chancel are the tombs of the first two kings of Portugal, D. Afonso Henrique and D. Sancho I, who granted privileges and generous donations for the construction of this magnificent religious temple.

Continuing through downtown to Praça do Comércio where we can see the Church of São Tiago, another of the Romanesque churches in Coimbra, from the 12th century, during the reign of King Sancho I. This square was for centuries the center of commercial and social life in Coimbra. The city's main market operated here and you can still find the Pelourinho de Coimbra, the building of the former Royal Hospital and the Church of São Bartolomeu.

The ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which is a testament to the difficult coexistence with the waters of the Mondego, since from its consecration in the 16th century to the present day, it is constantly plagued by destructive floods.