Trilho
Coimbra Trails - #2
Our trail through Coimbra begins at the iconic Largo da Portagem, the meeting point between the upper and lower parts of the city, with a privileged view of the Mondego River. We cross the imposing Santa Clara Bridge, already feeling the pulse of the city and seeing, on our right, the silhouette of the University. On the other side, our first stop takes us to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, a Gothic jewel that was partially submerged for centuries and has now been carefully restored.
We continue to the charming Portugal dos Pequenitos, where national history and architecture take shape in miniature, and soon after we find the Convent of São Francisco, a modern cultural space that coexists with monastic memory. Further up stands the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, guardian of the tomb of Queen Santa Isabel and with a breathtaking view over Coimbra.
We descend towards the legendary Quinta das Lágrimas, the setting for the tragic love story between D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, before crossing the peaceful greenery of Parque do Choupalinho. From here, the Pedro e Inês Bridge takes us on a panoramic walkway, with a unique view over the river and the city.
On the other bank, we walk through Parque Verde, perfect for a break in the shade or a coffee overlooking the Mondego, and pass by Docas de Coimbra, a vibrant area of restaurants and bars. We continue through Dr. Manuel Braga Park, next to the water and to the sound of birdsong, until we return to our starting point at Largo da Portagem, with the feeling of having experienced Coimbra through its most beautiful and historic paths.
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