Coimbra tem encanto

Today I'm going to show you some photos of Coimbra, an historical city which is located over a hill by the Mondego river, in central Portugal.

Coimbra is amazing and you can breed its history all over the place. Walk in the streets, seek for the monuments and finally, sit by the river and enjoy the view. At night, search for the Tunas (students musical groups) and hear its music...They will sing a serenade just for you...and then Fado de Coimbra will make you cry.

The intense cultural life centered on the university, one of the oldest in Europe, attracts every year students from all over the country and many international students.

Did you know that Coimbra served as the capital of Portugal, from 1131 to 1255? Or should I say Kingdom of Portugal, since I’m talking about our first king D. Afonso Henriques? Cool, right? The architecture is a result of many influences, considering, for example, that Visigoths, Moors and Germanic people invaded the city before the Christian reconquest.

Back in the Middle Ages, Coimbra was divided into an upper city (Cidade Alta or Almedina), where the aristocracy and the clergy lived, and the low city (Cidade Baixa) near the Mondego margins, where the people lived and the most part of commercial activities took place.

I took some photos at the baixa of Coimbra as I was waiting for my ride. I hope you enjoy it.

Portugal is really beautiful and magic; there is always a story behind each city, each monument, each corner. Be proud! I am proud!

Kiss, kiss

JB*

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