Description Coimbra

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The importance and relevance that the city had in the Christian reconquest, in the formation of Portugal and in the identity of a people, led to the construction of some of the most beautiful and important national monuments in Coimbra, namely the Monastery of Santa Cruz, where rest the remains of the founders of the Kingdom, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, refounded by the city's patron, Queen Santa Isabel, wife of the founder of the University; the current São Francisco Convent - Coimbra Culture and Congresses - Municipal Heritage.

The affirmation of the kingdom of Portugal, having Coimbra as its capital, meant that the expansion and conquest of the national territory became closely linked to cities like Tomar and Alcobaça and later with the village of Batalha.

The definitive installation of the University, in Coimbra, in the old Paço Real, increases the responsibility of the city, in the intellectual formation of the Portuguese society, started in the 12th century, in the then Monastery of Santa Cruz.

Currently, both Alta and Baixa are privileged places, where the city reveals its most genuine side with its marks of the past still present.

On a walk between Alta and Baixa, the path takes you through narrow, cobbled streets, steep scalings that line secular buildings, unusual corners and images worthy of an illustrated postcard. It deserves an attentive look to be surprised by the beauty that lurks around every corner, which opens in the squares and squares and to feel the pulse of the city.

In 2013 Unesco recognizes the exceptional value of the University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia by awarding it the World Heritage of Humanity seal.

In 2003, the Núcleo da Cidade Muralhada was created, a center for the interpretation of the castle and walls of Coimbra that allows to understand the history and evolution of the city and to see how the fortifications of the city were in the Middle Ages. Still, there are currently some traces of this defensive system that protected the city.

If the objective is to explore the wonders of science and question the world around us, the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra and the Exploratory - Science Center Live, are places to visit. Those who have a special fascination for history should not miss the visit to the Machado de Castro National Museum and the Torre de Almedina, fundamental landmarks of the city's history. For those who want a unique experience of interaction with heritage, they should not miss a visit to Portugal dos Pequenitos, the oldest theme park in the world. Finally, if the goal is simply to have fun and enjoy outdoor spaces, then Parque Verde do Mondego is the ideal option.

Coimbra's Fado is a unique musical expression in the world. Played and sung by students at the University, according to tradition, it is played only by men. In the same way, to play and sing Fado de Coimbra it is necessary to wear the cover, which must be drawn.

It is a Fado whose poems invariably evoke the love and longing for a woman, the city and the Academy. Since the century. XVI that the singing of students on the streets of Coimbra is factually known.

Coimbra has always been a privileged crossing point for Portuguese literate elites, having been responsible for training several generations of writers and other intellectuals from the Portuguese-speaking world.

In the city of Coimbra the traditional taverns are still very much alive and in them you can find the most varied snacks: such as gizzards, bones, woodpecker, streak of pitau among many other pitéus, accompanied by a good wine from the farmer . In restaurants, typical dishes such as chanfana, roasted suckling pig Bairrada style or lamprey rice stand out.