Coimbra or Guimarães in Portugal – Which One is Best?
1. Coimbra
➤ Where to stay in Coimbra
2. Guimarães
➤ Where to stay in Guimarães
Guimarães or Coimbra, Portugal? If you are fascinated by the history of the first universities and scholars in Europe and want to explore a World Heritage-listed university that has gained world recognition for its library collection and now draws thousands of students and visitors from near and far, every year, then you should consider visiting Coimbra, located approximately half-way between Lisbon and Porto.
On the other hand, if you are more interested in medieval history and want to gain insight into one of the impressive castles that ‘gathered’ the country – in some way considered Portugal’s birthplace, perhaps you should drive up to Guimarães north of Porto.
When setting out from Lisbon, going north, the first city you will visit is Coimbra. It is a lovely city with a charming old city centre, a picturesque river, and a world-famous old university.
Coimbra is known for its university, founded towards the end of the 13th century, more precisely in 1290. The University of Coimbra is among the oldest in Europe – and is the oldest university in Portugal, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it is also considered the best university in Portugal today, and students flock here from all over the world to get a degree from one of the historic top universities in Europe.
Photo: Falco / Pixabay
When the University of Coimbra was established as a medieval university, the location was not Coimbra but Lisbon. Nevertheless, after some years, in 1537, it moved to Coimbra, where it has admitted students ever since. Over time, it has been renovated in both baroque and neoclassical styles. Noteworthy parts include the 17th-century ceremonial hall and the 16th-century tower, providing visitors with panoramic views of Lisbon from the top.
Photo: Falarcompaulo / Pixabay
The University of Coimbra is particularly renowned for its beautiful library, Joanine Library, which possesses over 300,000 books dating back to the 16th – 18th centuries. It is named after King John V, who commissioned it. The magnificent collection is housed in the palace that used to be the residence of the former Kings of Portuga at the time when Coimbra was the medieval capital of the Iberian kingdom.
Photo: Christian Klein / Pixabay
Coimbra is today a vibrant Portuguese city crowded with university students. There is a lively nightlife in the streets, bars and restaurants and an interesting cultural scene rooted in the city’s fascinating history. Something not to miss is an authentic Fado experience!
Photo: Julian Hacker / Pixabay
A beautiful (new) cathedral from 1598, Sé Nova, is located near the University. It is considered ‘new’ since it is centuries younger than its older brother, the first Coimbra Cathedral, the Romanesque Sé Velha with a fortress-like look, initiated in the 12th century under Afonso Henriques, who declared himself King of Portugal.
Photo: Jade Palace / Pixabay
Coimbra is full of old churches, cloisters, and monasteries: Chapel of São Miguel and Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha – all fantastic places that are part of Coimbra’s cultural heritage. As a curiosity, you will find an amazing classic café with an ecclesiastical appearance in central Coimbra, set inside a chapel of the Monastery of Santa Cruz. The high-vaulted room with stained-glass windows is popular and appeals to visitors, students, and locals alike.
Photo: Alice Maia / Pixabay
Photo: Travel In Culture
Guimarães Castle is a military fortification founded in the Middle Ages. The iconic castle has an exciting and comprehensive history and has served as a defensive construction to protect the town against the Vikings and the Moors! At some point in time, it was also a prison! Today, history almost comes alive through the banners and flags swaying and hanging down from the thick walls.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Guimarães is considered the ‘birth of Portugal’ since Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques (1106-1185), was born here. However, there are indications that the castle existed a long time before that. According to some sources, the castle was a count’s construction towards the end of the 10th century, erected as a donation to Guimarães Monastery.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The castle has likely been remodelled several times, and traces indicate that its structure was round in the past! Over the centuries, it was restructured, first with turrets, and later, in the 13th century, with its eight rectangular towers, converting the defensive construction to the current fortress.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The city centre of Guimarães is a very authentic, medieval town with many buildings preserved. It is one of the finest examples of how a medieval town has developed into a modern city.
Photo: Travel In Culture
When you look at the old olive tree in the cobbled square Largo da Oliveira and soak up the impressions from all the buildings worthy of preservation on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, you feel it is like a time warp. The finest traditional Portuguese houses, built under the reign of Alfonso IV, stand in a row lining the square.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Today, the city is a lovely blend of medieval architecture and art, cosy little restaurants serving local specialities, and significant landmarks telling the story of the past such as, besides Guimarães Castle, the Church of Sao Francisco erected by Franciscan monks a long time ago.
So, university history or Portugal’s birthplace – Coimbra or Guimarães – which one appeals most to you? … or will you have time to do both during your trip!?!
Read next: Visit the Knights Templar in Tomar and What are the Best Things to Do in Lisbon
Coimbra or Guimarães in Portugal – Which One is Best
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Coimbra or Guimarães in Portugal – Which One is Best:
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