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Coimbra
One of Europe’s oldest university towns, it
has kept its secular academic traditions, as seen
in the black-caped students, in the soulful tones
of the “fado de Coimbra” (traditional
song sung to the sound of guitars by the students)
and in the Queima das Fitas, a boisterous celebration
of the students’ graduating year (Burning of
the Ribbons). Overlooking the city is the university,
with its old tower and a sumptuous Baroque library.
In the adjacent quarters you will find the Old Cathedral
(Romanesque) and the Machado de Castro Museum, built
over a Roman cryptoportico. In the ancient streets,
with their medieval walls, arches and stairways, are
the Santa Cruz Monastery (founded in 1131), the church
of Santiago and the monastery of Celas (13th-century).
On the left bank of the Mondego stands the Santa Clara-a-Nova
Convent (Baroque, 17th-century). 16 km to the south,
lies Conímbriga, the most important Roman remains
in Portugal.
Conímbriga
Conímbriga
is situated 16 km south of Coimbra. It was a point
on the Roman road that came from Sellium (Tomar)
and made its way to Aeminium (Coimbra). It is still
surrounded by the original walls, and visitors can
see coloured mosaics, as well as figurative and
patterned illustrations in an excellent state of
conservation. There is an early Christian burial
ground and a set of hot springs. A museum is to
be found near the archaeological site.
Figueira da Foz
Summer
resort on the mouth of the Mondego river (long,
sandy beaches and water sports facilities). Special
mention to the mother-church, Casa do Paço
(17th century), Municipal Museum, Santa Catarina
Fortress (16th century) and pelourinho.
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