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Historic shops in Coimbra

Coimbra is a city rich in tradition, and part of this heritage can be discovered through its historic shops.

These shops, often family-run, are true landmarks of the city, preserving not only products and services, but also the stories and memories of past generations. Entering one of these shops is like traveling back in time, where the objects, smells and sounds seem to have stopped to tell us a little about the city's past.

"Each historic shop in Coimbra tells a unique story, but together they form a mosaic of the city's cultural and commercial heritage."

One of the most iconic is the Nazareth Pharmacy, located on Rua Visconde da Luz – now converted into local accommodation. With a history spanning over a century, this pharmacy maintains its façade and interior virtually unchanged, evoking a time when health and well-being were provided in a personalized and artisanal manner.

Bookstores also play an important role in Coimbra's commercial history.

A Almedina Bookstore, located in Arcos de Almedina, is a reference point for students, academics and book lovers, and is one of the oldest and most respected in the city. Each historic shop in Coimbra tells a unique story, but all together they form a mosaic of the city's cultural and commercial heritage.

"Each historic shop in Coimbra tells a unique story, but together they form a mosaic of the city's cultural and commercial heritage."

Stores classified as Historic

Santa Cruz Coffee

Café Santa Cruz, founded in 1923, is a cultural icon of Coimbra. Located next to the Church of Santa Cruz, it stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture and historic atmosphere. In addition to serving the “Crúzios” (a traditional Portuguese traditional Portuguese folk music), it promotes Coimbra fado with regular sessions that celebrate this unique tradition. It is a cultural and social meeting point that combines charm, history and music, making it a must-see for locals and tourists alike.

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Lucky House

Casa da Sorte, founded in 1933, is the leading social gaming broker in Coimbra, serving customers of all ages and backgrounds for over 70 years. Throughout its history, political and artistic figures, such as the writer Miguel Torga, have been regular customers.

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Livraria Bertrand

The Bertrand Bookshop, founded in 1732 in Lisbon, expanded to Coimbra about 50 years ago, establishing itself in Largo da Portagem. This location is also notable for having housed the office of Adolfo Correia Rocha, known as Miguel Torga, one of the most influential Portuguese poets of the XNUMXth century. Bertrand has played a significant role in Portuguese culture and literature.

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Loja das Meias

Loja das Meias, founded on 16 November 1931, is a historic establishment located in downtown Coimbra. Over the decades, it has become an integral part of the city's major events, including political, social and religious demonstrations. Frequented by political figures, artists and businesspeople, it has established itself as a must-see stop. It specialises in selling clothing and accessories for men and women, importing well-known brands, often exclusively in the city.

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Costa Goldsmiths

Ourivesaria Costa, founded in 1936, is the oldest shop in Coimbra, specializing in the sale of gold and silver items, watches, trophies and commemorative plaques. With strong links to academic tradition, for decades it supplied graduation rings and luxury folders with the logo of the University of Coimbra Tower, as well as silver diploma boxes and official tableware. The shop maintains traditional features, such as the iron display window with curved glass and period wooden furniture.

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Cat's Den Tavern

Toca do Gato is a centuries-old tavern, with a license from 1930. Known as TOCA DO GATO because of the sculpture placed at the door, it was also called O BAIXINHO (THE BABY GUY) because one of the owners, Mr. Borges, was very tall, the nickname fitting in with the good humor that surrounded the reference to this type of establishment.

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Cova Funda Tavern and Spanish Restaurant

The Cova Funda Tavern has been famous since its inception for its service, from breakfast to dinner, which has been attended by everyone from the town's locals to historical figures. Cova Funda was a characteristic place, an excellent meeting point for friends of the drink who met there.

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The Gizzards

The establishment is considered by the student community to be a point of reference for bohemian student life. It is common for students who frequent the establishment to enjoy hearing stories about the bar "O Moelas" and Mr. Américo, the owner who spent a lifetime welcoming them at the door and telling them stories about life in Coimbra. Nowadays, despite being retired, Mr. Américo still appears at the bar, especially when former students are having reunions.

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Antoine Shoe Store

The Antoine shoe shop is located at Rua Ferreira Borges, no. 131 and 133, one of the main streets in downtown Coimbra, and opened its doors to the public in 1990.

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Municipal Tourist Office

Old Coimbra Station A

António Granjo Street No. 6

3000-429 Coimbra, Portugal

Phone: 239 857 500

Email: tourism@cm-coimbra.pt