Travel through Coimbra’s historic beauty

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Let us go back to the Middle Ages and learn a thing or two from one of the world’s most celebrated eras. No need for a time machine as the structures and sights offered in this ancient city will bring you back in time.

While Coimbra is deemed as Portugal’s medieval city, this place still manages to stay updated as modernity is also found in it. See a beautiful mixture of past and present and enjoy the wonders found only in Coimbra.

Location

Coimbra is one of the largest cities in Portugal. Found between the junction of Braga and Lisbon, this city is considered as one of Portugal’s cultural centers as evident on the medieval structures and other historic sights found here.

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It isn’t hard to reach this city as it is surrounded by neighboring municipalities such as Miranda do Corvo, Condeixa-a-Nova and Mealhada.

Climate

Coimbra has a mild climate. The city has a warm Mediterranean / dry-summer subtropical climate with an average temperature of 15.7 degrees Celsius.

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The months of July and August usually have average temperature, while the rainy season falls between the months of January to May and October to December.

Transportation

International travelers can either book a flight going to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport in Porto or Portela Airport in Lisbon. From these two nearby cities, tourists can hail a cab or ride a train stopping at either Coimbra – A or Coimbra – B.

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Those who want to arrive at the city center might want to resort stopping at Coimbra – A. Since the city is accessible from neighboring towns, driving a car is also an option by using the A1 highway. It usually takes an hour if coming from Porto and two hours from Lisbon.

Attractions

Se Velha

This is one of the city’s most beautiful structures that exhibits Romanesque designs. The church was built back in the 12th century and was funded by King Alfonso Henriques.

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The architecture of this beautiful work of art was especially intended to have it function as a fortress whenever the need arose. Today, this edifice is a living proof of the city’s rich culture and a reminder of the great medieval time it experienced.

Conimbriga

Considered as a National Monument since 1910, Coimbra’s largest settlement is now made up of ruins from the old civilization that used to live here.

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See the remnants of ancient living as there are evidences of aqueducts, spas and shops still visible even up to this date.

Biblioteca Joanina

This library adorned with Baroque style is Coimbra’s center of learning, so to speak. Biblioteca Joanina was built during the 18th century.

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To date, this place holds some historical pieces of high value, which is why tourists and historians flock here during visits to Coimbra. Considered as one of the world’s grandest libraries, do not miss a chance of seeing the masterpiece as a whole for yourself.

http://laurenceourac.com/travel-through-coimbras-historic-beauty/

Images:
(1) http://pinkalarmclockpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Coimbra-3.jpg
(2) http://www.tourvideos.com/Images/maps-big/Portugal/Coimbra.jpg
(3) http://images.boomsbeat.com/data/images/full/70840/6-jpg.jpg
(4) https://traveluxblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/airport.jpg
(5) http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/51206/151~coimbra-sevelha-5.jpg
(6) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Conimbriga.jpg
(7) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4X9flaRdKHdoO5HR6cKMIyLt5dnNBYUce68t_F6rxqkmFeLyjwlYhIJrhy9VKDX-ymxNsoGI8fl_ZuuA3ar2lg4cTrCChcEuzCDGv8-ZmpnEVPaL-tLOTVhN_sse9VLtN3ojGrhLmtHi/s1600/9005861.jpg