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Coimbra

Coimbra is a city and municipality in central Portugal, serving as the administrative seat of the Coimbra District. Located on a bend of the Mondego River, it is one of the country’s oldest urban settlements and a major center of education and culture. The municipality has around 140,000 residents, with a university population that significantly influences the city’s character.

The city’s global prominence stems largely from the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest universities,

Coimbra houses several important medieval and early modern landmarks, including the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and

Economically, Coimbra relies on education, research, health care, and services, with tourism centered on its historic

founded
in
1290
and
established
in
Coimbra
in
1537.
The
university
comprises
historic
campuses
on
both
sides
of
the
Mondego
and
includes
notable
buildings
such
as
the
Biblioteca
Joanina,
a
Baroque
library
of
the
18th
century.
In
2013,
the
University
of
Coimbra
–
Alta
and
Sofia
was
designated
a
UNESCO
World
Heritage
Site,
recognizing
its
historical
significance
and
architectural
unity.
the
Monastery
of
Santa
Cruz,
where
Portugal’s
first
kings
are
traditionally
buried.
The
city
is
also
known
for
Fado
de
Coimbra,
a
distinctive,
university-linked
form
of
fado
performed
by
student
ensembles
and
associated
with
the
city’s
intellectual
heritage.
core
and
university
life.
The
city
is
connected
by
rail
and
road
to
Lisbon
and
Porto,
and
serves
as
a
regional
transportation
hub
with
intercity
trains
and
national
road
links.
The
Mondego
riverside
and
surrounding
hills
provide
parks,
viewpoints,
and
cultural
venues
that
sustain
its
status
as
a
historic
and
educational
center.