The city of Coimbra (Portugal) is a major industrial and economic center of the country. The metropolis is often called the cultural capital of the state, the source of its philosophy and culture. The largest university in Europe was opened in Coimbra, which until the 16th century was the only one in Portugal. Its graduates were such world-famous persons as St. Anthony of Padua, the poet Camões and the dictator Salazar. The first Portuguese kings are also buried in Coimbra. This is a beautiful city full of sights and amazing with its splendor.
Coimbra in numbers. Weather in the region
Coimbra in Portugal is the fifth largest. This is the main cultural center of the state, in which approximately 170 thousand people live. The settlement is located on the coast of the Mondego River, which is 182 kilometers from the capital. Coimbra is the administrative center of the district of the same name. The area of the city reaches 317 square kilometers. Since this is a university region, the bulk of the population is young people. The textile and food industries are mainly developed here.industry. The production of porcelain products is at a high level.
The weather conditions are peculiar in Coimbra (Portugal). It is much cooler here than in Lisbon, but warmer than in Porto. It is very warm in summer, in July the air warms up to +28 degrees. But in the winter it is quite cold here. In January, the thermometers can drop as much as five degrees Celsius. Autumn and winter are the rainy seasons. But local climatic conditions are to the liking of tourists. Travelers love to come here most of all in the spring, when the heat is already fulfilling its duties, but has not yet turned into a sweltering heat. However, even in the summer, during the holiday and beach season, a large number of guests stay in Coimbra.
Brief historical background
The foundation of Coimbra in Portugal is associated 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 current Coimbra. But in the VI century, the invasion of the Suebi and Vandals forced the population to leave this area. Residents did not want to come back here and rebuild the city. As a new habitat, they chose the territory on the Eminium Hill, on the coast of the Mondego River. The people kept the name of their previous city, but over time shortened it to Coimbra.
The Moors conquered the settlement in the VIII century, and already in 878 they were expelled from there. But one century later they returned to Coimbra and captured it. In 1064the troops of Ferdinand the Great finally conquered the settlement. Almost from the moment of its foundation, Coimbra played the role of an incredibly important trade and economic hub of the region. During the Middle Ages, it also became the most important scientific center of the state. King Alphonse Henriques in 1139 proclaimed the future metropolis the capital of Portugal. The settlement retained this status until 1256.
What to see
Many and varied sights of Coimbra (Portugal). An example of the Romanesque style is the Se Velho church, built in the 12th century. The incredibly beautiful temple of Se Nova was built in the 16th century by the Jesuits. Its construction was supposed 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 Portuguese sculptures.
Exploring the southern massif of Coimbra, you can visit the ruins of Conimbriga. They represent the largest archaeological monument in the country. If tourists are already going to explore the best sights of the city, then you should definitely visit the Portuguese dos Pekinitos open-air museum. The gate to the institution is a wall map depicting all the continents and states of the Earth.
The oldest university in the country
University in Coimbra (Portugal) is its calling card and the most prominent attraction. It was founded by order of King Danish I of Portugal in 1290. At an educational institutionthe faculties of law, art, canon law and medicine functioned. 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 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 village. They occupy buildings of historical significance, which are architectural and cultural monuments of world significance.
What students are taught
The leading faculties of the university are mathematics, medicine and law. Students' feedback about the University of Coimbra in Portugal indicates that teaching here is at the highest level.
Especially good knowledge is given in such disciplines as chemistry, biology, mechanical engineering and construction technology. The humanitarian sector is also considered very strong here, especially foreign languages, art history and history with archeology.
Students like the research work carried out 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 claim that teachers try to find an approach to each student and always help instudy.
I wonder about Coimbra
The city of Coimbra in Portugal is interesting because many famous personalities were born here. We have already mentioned some of them. But, besides these people, successful football players were born here - Miguel Luis Pinto Veloso and Ze Castro. The first is a midfielder of Kyiv "Dynamo" and the national team of Portugal. The second is the defender of the Portuguese football club Rayo Vallecano. Popular car racer Filipe Miguel was also born here.
Reviews and comments
Every tourist who has visited the city of Coimbra in Portugal, the reviews about it leave amazing. According to travelers, it is impossible not to fall in love with this place. It will captivate the heart at first sight. It successfully combines the historical past with modern civilization. Attractions, university and local nature will forever remain in the heart.
Many travelers say that they have never seen a better city in their lives, and they 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 take you to the era of knights and beautiful ladies.
