Sightseeing walking tour in Coimbra

Coimbra is called the cradle of culture and philosophy of the country, because it was here that the oldest university in Europe was founded, which until 1910 remained the only university in Portugal. Graduates of this university were such famous personalities as the Portuguese poet Camões, St. Anthony of Padua, the dictator Salazar. Here, in Coimbra, the first kings of Portugal are buried. Walking through the ancient streets of this beautiful city, you unwittingly imbue with the spirit of medieval beliefs and legends, which fill the stone walls of these buildings. Tour of Coimbra with a visit to the old University, the library "Juanina". The historic center of Coimbra is located on a hill, high above the bank of the Mondegu River. Among the sights of Coimbra are many religious buildings. Near the University there are two architectural masterpieces of Coimbra - the Cathedral of Se Vella and the Cathedral of Se Nova. Built in the XI century, in honor of the victory of Christians over the Moors, the Cathedral of Se Vella became a real religious symbol of the city. In the Cathedral of Se Vella crowned Portuguese kings. The first governor of Coimbra, Sisinandu, is buried on its territory. The appearance of the Cathedral, more like a fortress than a temple. A Romanesque cathedral was completed. It is curious that the interior of the cathedral is made in the Moorish style. The most beautiful part of the Cathedral of Se Vella, without a doubt, is the altar with Romanesque capitals, which bears the name “Ascension of the Virgin Mary”. In contrast to the Cathedral of Se Vella, the Cathedral of Se Nova, can not boast of a great age. It was built in the Baroque style in 1598 by the Jesuits. But after the abolition of the Jesuit Order in 1759, the Cathedral of Se-Nova became part of the bishop’s residence. After passing through the Almedina Arch, we head to the Church of Santa Circle. It was built by order of the first Portuguese king Alfono Henriques. Here he is buried with his son Sancho. In antiquity, the church occupied a significant area and was the first cultural center of the city, before the advent of the University. Then we walk along the “street of wisdom” and head to the monasteries of St. Clara, where you can hear the legend of the Holy Queen Isabel. Visit the park "Portugal for the little ones".