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Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Cultural and religious heritage of the municipality of Coimbra

The Municipality of Coimbra is a territory deeply marked by its cultural and religious heritage, with a legacy that reflects centuries of history and spirituality.

"The county's main monuments are not only symbols of devotion, but also authentic architectural and artistic landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world."

The diversity of monuments, churches, monasteries and places of worship highlights the importance of the territory in the construction of Portuguese identity. Coimbra was the scene of important religious and cultural movements, and its monuments continue to bear witness to the central role it played as a cradle of knowledge, faith and tradition.

"The county's main monuments are not only symbols of devotion, but also authentic architectural and artistic landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world."

Churches and Monasteries

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Built in the 12th century, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. This imposing monument was completed during the reign of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and reflects the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, the Gothic cloister and the main altar stand out. The Old Cathedral was a symbol of resistance during the conflicts of the Reconquista and is today an important place of worship and history.

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

Built in the 14th century on the banks of the Mondego River, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is a landmark of Gothic architecture in Portugal. Founded by Queen Saint Isabel, the building suffered from repeated flooding and was abandoned in the 17th century. Today, the space is an archaeological site that preserves the history of the monastery and the saintly queen, an icon of devotion and charity. The adjacent interpretive center offers a rich experience for visitors.

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

Built in the 17th century to replace the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova houses the tomb of Queen Saint Isabel, patron saint of Coimbra. The building is in Mannerist and Baroque style, with a magnificent high altar in gilded woodwork. Devotion to the Holy Queen is celebrated in processions and festivities that perpetuate her memory and make the monastery a place of pilgrimage.

New Cathedral of Coimbra

A former Jesuit college, the Sé Nova became Coimbra’s cathedral in 1772. Built in Mannerist and Baroque style, the building stands out for its grandeur and rich interior decoration. Its façades combine Renaissance and Baroque elements, while the interior features gilded altars and valuable paintings. The Sé Nova reflects the transition between the city’s religious tradition and architectural modernity.

Monastery of Celas

Founded in the 13th century by Queen Saint Isabel, the Monastery of Celas is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture associated with feminine spirituality. Originally inhabited by Cistercian nuns, the monastery preserves an atmosphere of serenity. Inside, the Gothic cloister and the spirit of seclusion that marked convent life stand out. This space is a landmark of religious devotion and the role of women in medieval spirituality.

Santiago Church

Located in Praça do Comércio, the Church of São Tiago dates back to the 12th century and is dedicated to the cult of Saint James, the patron saint of pilgrims. With an austere Romanesque façade and an interior with Baroque details, this church is still an important point on the Portuguese route to Santiago de Compostela. Its architectural simplicity hides a rich history of faith and devotion that has left its mark on the city.

Church of Santa Cruz | National Pantheon

Founded in the 2003th century by the canons of Saint Augustine, the Monastery of Santa Cruz is a historic landmark in Coimbra and Portugal. Built in Romanesque and Manueline style, it stands out for its imposing façade and its cloister, which is rich in detail. D. Afonso Henriques and D. Sancho I are buried here, and it has been the National Pantheon since XNUMX. Renowned as a centre for theological studies, it housed a vast library and a scriptorium. Figures such as Luís de Camões and Saint Anthony, inspired by the Martyrs of Morocco, left their mark on this space.

Church of Saint Anthony of Olivais

The Church of Santo António dos Olivais is one of the most iconic religious sites in Coimbra, with origins dating back to the 13th century. This was one of the first convents of the Franciscan Order in Portugal and is also closely associated with the life of Saint Anthony, who is said to have lived here before leaving for Italy. With Baroque architecture, the church has a simple façade and a richly decorated interior, and is a place of pilgrimage and popular devotion.

Monastery of Saint Francis

Although partially transformed over time, the former Monastery of São Francisco, founded in the 13th century, is another landmark of Coimbra’s religious heritage. Its history and connection to the Franciscan Order make it a symbol of spirituality and the city’s involvement in medieval religious movements. Located near the Mondego River, the building preserves the essence of its Gothic architecture and is now a modern conference and cultural events centre.

Major Seminary of Coimbra

Located in the former Colégio de Jesus, the Coimbra Major Seminary is a historical and architectural landmark. Founded in the 16th century, this imposing building was the first Jesuit college in Portugal and played a crucial role in religious and academic education. Today, the seminary continues to train clergy and houses a valuable artistic heritage, including the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, with its rich Baroque decoration.

Church of Santa Justa

The church of Santa Justa, dating from the 1718th century, stands out for its XNUMXth-century Mannerist-Baroque façade, with bell towers, large windows and niches with sculptures of Saint Francis, Saint Rufina, Saint Justa and a Bishop. Inside, the highlight is the Baroque altar from XNUMX, created by Francisco Machado, with statues of exceptional quality. In the centre, there is a polychrome sculpture of Christ in Majesty, on the throne of the Last Judgement, accompanied by the figures of Saint Rufina and Saint Justa, with the Holy Spirit represented on the throne.

Church of Saint Bartholomew

The current church, built in the 18th century, was built on top of temples from the 10th and 11th centuries. Damaged by Islamic invasions in the 12th century, it was rebuilt, as evidenced by the capital on display at the Machado de Castro National Museum. The original layout was similar to that of the Church of Santiago, and one of its Romanesque doors opened onto the Upper Churchyard of the Church of São Bartolomeu, where the bell tower once stood, which at the time was located far from the temple. Excavations have revealed that some houses in the churchyard now occupy the site of this tower.

Church of San Salvador

A Romanesque temple built on top of an earlier one, located in the heart of the city's Upper Town, opposite two University Residences. The church underwent restoration work in the 1175th century, as confirmed by the inscription to the right of the main door, dated XNUMX, although it has preserved part of the original structure.

The University of Coimbra and the Colleges of Baixa

University of Coimbra and its monuments

The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icon of knowledge and spirituality. Its monuments include the Joanina Library, one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque libraries in the world, the Chapel of São Miguel, with its monumental organ, and the Sala dos Capelos, the venue for solemn ceremonies. These spaces are living testimonies of the relationship between education, faith and culture that have shaped Coimbra over the centuries.

Sofia Street Schools

Rua da Sofia, also listed by UNESCO, is a testament to the academic expansion of Coimbra in the 16th century. Here you can find the old university colleges, such as the Colégio de São Pedro and the Colégio de Nossa Senhora da Graça, founded by religious orders for higher education. These buildings feature remarkable Renaissance architecture and illustrate the inseparable link between education, religion and urban planning in the city's history.

College of Our Lady of Grace

Thanks to the assistance of D. João III, and under the direction of the Spanish Friar Luís de Montoya, the College began operating in 1543 for the Calced Hermits of Saint Augustine, better known as “Gracianos”, having been incorporated into the University by royal charter of 1549. It was responsible for the formation of very distinguished collegials who followed the theological and philosophical current of Saint Augustine, some of whom would later become rectors of the University.

College of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Built in 1541, by order of the Bishop of Porto, Frei Baltasar Limpo, as a residence for clergymen from the diocese of Porto who wished to attend the University. In 1547 it was donated to the Order of Calced Carmelites, which was dissolved by law in 1834 and passed to the Venerable Third Order of Saint Francis, where it remains today. Despite having undergone several alterations, the complex of the old college preserves original tile panels as well as some paintings.

New College, of Saint Augustine or of Wisdom

Founded in 1552 by the Bishop of Coimbra, D. Afonso Castelo Branco, this college was built by the Monastery of Santa Cruz to replace the Colleges of São Miguel and Todos-os-Santos, which were ceded to the College of Arts. After the abolition of the religious orders in 1834, the building passed to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra, which maintains the church, the museum and the archive, where several works of art are preserved.

Palace of Justice | College of Saint Thomas Aquinas

The former University College of Saint Thomas Aquinas, belonging to the Order of Saint Dominic, was intended to accommodate students, both clergy and lay, who wished to pursue university studies. Established in 1539 near the river for the Dominican monks, it was transferred to Rua da Sofia in 1546 due to the constant flooding of the Mondego River. It is the seat of the Court of Appeal of Coimbra.

Monuments and other historic buildings

Monastery of Saint Francis

Although partially transformed over time, the former Monastery of São Francisco, founded in the 13th century, is another landmark of Coimbra’s religious heritage. Its history and connection to the Franciscan Order make it a symbol of spirituality and the city’s involvement in medieval religious movements. Located near the Mondego River, the building preserves the essence of its Gothic architecture and is now a modern conference and cultural events centre.

Major Seminary of Coimbra

Located in the former Colégio de Jesus, the Coimbra Major Seminary is a historical and architectural landmark. Founded in the 16th century, this imposing building was the first Jesuit college in Portugal and played a crucial role in religious and academic education. Today, the seminary continues to train clergy and houses a valuable artistic heritage, including the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, with its rich Baroque decoration.

San Sebastian Waterfront

Popularly known as “Arcos do Jardim” (Garden Arches), due to its location next to the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, this aqueduct was built in 1570 by King Sebastian to supply water to the upper part of the city, using the route of a previous Roman aqueduct. The design of this imposing structure, which stretches for a kilometre, is attributed to the Italian engineer Felipe Terzi.

Sub-Ripas Palace

The old Torre da Contenda, part of the city wall, was converted into a residence in the 16th century and purchased by João Vaz. He joined it, through an arch, to the Casa de Cima and Casa de Baixo, forming the Palácio de Sub-Ribas, with its Manueline portal and reliefs by João de Ruão standing out.

Inquisition Courtyard

Founded in 1542, the Old College of Arts was established in 1548 and in 1555 came under the supervision of the Jesuits, who handed it over to the Tribunal of the Holy Office. This functioned until 1821, marking the site, now the Inquisition Courtyard, with the irony of welcoming humanist and repressive ideas.

Torre de Anto | Guitar and Fado Center of Coimbra

Medieval tower integrated into the city walls of Coimbra, converted into a residence during the Manueline period. In the 19th century, it was home to the poet António Nobre, which gave it its current name. Today, it houses the Núcleo da Guitarra e do Fado de Coimbra, part of the Coimbra Municipal Museum.

Almedina Tower and Arch

The main gate of the city wall, with Islamic origins, was part of the city's defensive system. Remodeled in the 16th century, it received an upper floor to function as the City Council House, known as the Torre da Relação. Today, it houses the Nucleus of the Walled City.

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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

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