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No minimum number of attendeesNo minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
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Free booking and cancellationFree payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
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My name is Jose. I live in Coimbra since I was a student here a few years ago. I like history, culture and art. And I love meeting new people. I offer general tours of the city in Portuguese and English. I also offer more specific and in-depth tours of the New and Old Cathedrals and the University of Coimbra.
I'm José, Portuguese, a graduate of the university & living in Coimbra for over 20 years. I invite you to embark on a captivating journey with my Coimbra free tour.
To make it easier to understand the city's history, I use supporting materials such as photos and diagrams.
We'll start in the heart of downtown, at Portagem Square where you'll get to know the town's patron saint and some of its history.
We'll explore St James Church and visit Santa Cruz church (inside and out), once part of a big monastery.
Then we'll head uptown passing by what was the city's main entrance, the Almedina Gate .
Halfway through the tour we'll pass by the Old Cathedral.
After passing the Machado de Castro Museum coutryard we will end the tour at the University.
Main Highlights: Almedina Arch, St James Church, Santa Cruz Church, Old Cathedral Machado Castro Museum courtyard, New Cathedral & University.
Along the way, I'll share insights into the city's history, its people, academic traditions, and practical tips to maximize your Coimbra experience. At the end, we receive a handy sheet of the city's useful information.
I comply with all legal requirements including RNAT registration (registry 924/2023)
Please notice this:
- The entrance inside the university buildings (such as the barroque library) is not included.
- Coimbra is on a hill, so it's impossible to avoid climbing it during a walking tour. You should go prepared with confortable shoes, water and sunscreen.
- I may change the itinerary according to weather conditions, Mass times or physical conditions of the participants. Always with the aim of making the tour more enjoyable.
- The duration of the tour (2H30) is indicative as it depends on the pace of the group.
Let's make your Coimbra exploration truly memorable.
Meeting Point: Portagem square ("Largo da Portagem") next to the statue. I'll have a yellow t-shirt that says "Coimbra Free Tours" and a blue folder with me. (If it's cold I'll have a yellow-mustard jacket/vest with a black pin that says “Coimbra Free Tours”) When is sunshine I also have a black cap with the University symbol and the date 1290 (when the University was founded). This is the google maps link to the "meeting point": https://maps.app.goo.gl/Txnkce3FFsUQjyTa8
Meeting Point
This church from the 12th century has undergone many changes throughout history. We'll find out more about that.
The Santa Cruz Church was once part of a large monastery. Inside, you will admire the beautiful blue and white tiles and the 18th-century organ.
Discover the place that was the city's main entry point in medieval times
Built like a fortress, it's a key part of the burning of the ribbons festivities. Inside you will find a beautiful flamboyant gothic altarpiece with 15 meters and the first gothic cloister in Portugal.
It's one of the best views in the city. We'll visit the museum's courtyard (a great place for some photos) where you'll learn more about the presence of the romans in the city.
We will admire the outside and learn more about the academic traditions that take place here
Founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in europe and the oldest in Portugal. It's an UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will see the outside (Paço das Escolas courtyard) and I'll show photos of the inside with some explanations
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).