Coimbra Historical Highlights | Expert Guide since 2012
Description
Although Coimbra was only classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 (when both its monuments and academic traditions were recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations agency for Education, Science and Culture), it’s safe to say that this “City of Knowledge” hides unexpected surprises at every corner! With the unique beauty of its historic buildings and the distinctive atmosphere shaped by centuries of student traditions, Coimbra offers an unforgettable sense of place. During this walking tour through the Historic Center, we will explore the many reasons behind its World Heritage status, moving from Downtown to Uptown while unveiling its role in the History of Portugal and the material and immaterial heritage found within the classified area. Led by a local resident and former student of the country’s oldest university, this visit will make you fall in love with Coimbra.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meeting Point where we will introduce you to the History of Coimbra and it's importance
The Oldest Private House of the Town!
The Commerce Square and its Churches and beautiful buildings
Burial place of the 2 first Kings of Portugal
Old Entrance to the Medieval Town
The University Campus and all it's main buildings classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2012!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(3)
The tour conducted by Sara was excelent. Her historical knowledge was great and made it fun for about 2.5 hours. The tour started at one of the high points of the city, the university area, and slowly came downhill covering all the historical facts along the way. I would suggest getting a taxi to the start point to make the walk down to the river level a positive experience. Sara was great and the tour was also covered a huge range of history.
It was a great time for me too, guiding you through the History and Stories of my beloved University and hometown! All the best and come back anytime 🍀 Sara
We were supposed to meet Sara Cruz on top of the hill in Coimbra, going down. However, the annual parade of the university happened to take place the same days, which was an exciting site in and of itself, but the road were blocked, so we could not get there by taxi. Instead, Sara came down to our hotel and we took the walking tour going up. It made it a bit more difficult, but Sara made it all worthwhile. With her vast knowledge and home-grown perspectives, her familiarity with the students' lives and culture, her lovely demeanor and sense of humor, she painted the place for in bright virtual colors, making it a very special experience. Thank you, Sara!
Fabiana gave us a tour around the main parts of the Baixa and Alta (except the cathedrals), and taught us many facts about the city of Coimbra that we didn't know, especially student and university related. We missed a bit more depth of the historical facts and general city history, and also felt the 2h guide could be more structured (I think we could have gone through the same amount of info in 30 minutes less). If they improve the historical depth of the tour, I would definitely increase the rating, as Fabiana was super friendly and nice, and it was great visiting the city with her.
Hello! I am very sorry that you felt our Historical Highlights Tour doesn't have enough historical information, as we've built the route with details from the Roman times, through the Islamic Occupation of the Territory, the Reconquest and the First Kings Presence here, and the University History with the Unesco Classified Area and the Intangible Heritage. Fabiana has communicated that the tour happened normally, so we're caught by surprise and very sad with this rating. I am very sorry and hopefully next time we can prove to you our route is complete enough: please ask questions if and when you have them! We always answer. Best regards, Sara Cruz Founder, Manager & Tour Guide
