Once Portugal’s capital (from 1139 to 1256), Coimbra is one of the country’s most historic cities, famous for its university, which is one of Europe’s oldest (it was founded in 1290). While it may lack the contemporary attractions of Lisbon and Porto, it’s rich in centuries-old monuments that illustrate every chapter of the history of architecture, and the university and surroundings are listed as a World Heritage Site.
Easily accessible by train or bus between the country’s two largest cities, it’s worth a visit not just for the monumental university but also for the ancient site of Conimbriga, which has some of Europe’s best-preserved Roman mosaics. In between, choose among the different Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque churches, and visit one of Portugal’s best national museums.
