Coimbra, Silver Coast, Portugal

This city holds a special place in the hearts of all the Portuguese. Rich in its history and is the oldest seat of learning in Portugal with a University founded on the 13th of August in 1290 by King Dinis. This makes it one of the oldest in the world. Coimbra was liberated from Moor occupation in 1064 and was then developed as a town by the capable Conde de Sesmundo who was the master here for 27 years. Six of Portugal’s Kings were born here and between 1139 and 1256 it was the chosen capital of the country. The name of this city during the Roman period was Aeminium, and but it later developed under the influence of the greater nearby town of Conimbriga. This latter place is now an important archaeological site of great interest with a museum to display the findings from the diggings. At first sight the town appears more devoted to commerce than learning but the skyline above the lower part of the city suggest its real purpose.

In the city there are many churches that are also worth visiting, especially from the 12th Century. Igreja de Santa Cruz is a church that was later altered in the 16th Century to its present fine example of Manueline carved architecture work. Coimbra also boasts the largest Botanical Garden in the country which covers 20 hectares.

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