The heart of Coimbra is undoubtedly the Palace of Schools, which is the main building of the University of Coimbra - one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290. This impressive complex, listed by UNESCO, is a quintessential part of Portuguese educational history. Walking through the Pátio das Escolas courtyard, you can feel the spirit of centuries of learning and academic traditions. The most spectacular feature of the complex is the Biblioteca Joanina, a baroque library dating back to the 18th century, whose interiors are breathtaking. The three-story hall with richly decorated wooden bookcases houses more than 300,000 priceless volumes. Interestingly, the library is home to a colony of bats that naturally protect the book collection from insects - one of the oldest book protection systems in the world!

The University Tower (Torre da Universidade) offers a panoramic view of the entire city - it's worth climbing the 180 steps to admire the red roofs of Coimbra and the meandering Mondego River. The Palace of Schools is not only a monument, but a still-functioning educational institution, where the traditional black cloaks of the students (capas negras) are a reminder of the centuries-old academic tradition.

Near the university is the Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, a botanical garden founded in 1772 on the initiative of the Marquis de Pombal. This green paradise of more than 13 hectares is home to thousands of plant species from around the world. The garden is divided into several sections, including a formal central garden with a fountain, a bamboo grove and greenhouses with exotic specimens. Particularly impressive is the avenue of sequoias, planted in the 19th century, which today rise majestically toward the sky. Unlike crowded tourist attractions, the botanical garden offers a quiet space for contemplation and relaxation. A maze of paths leads you through a variety of ecosystems, and hidden benches encourage you to stop and soak up the atmosphere of this unique place. The botanical garden is an excellent alternative to the historic monuments - a place where nature and cultural heritage coexist in harmony, offering visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Coimbra boasts two exceptional cathedrals, each telling a different story of Portuguese sacred architecture. Coimbra's Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) is a true gem of Romanesque architecture from the 12th century. Its austere, fortress-like facade is a reminder of the troubled times of the Reconquista, when temples also served a defensive function. Inside, the Romanesque portal and Gothic cloister are stunning, as is the richly decorated main altar. Of particular interest is the chapter house, where medieval sculptures and architectural details can be admired. Sé Velha has witnessed many historical events, including the coronation of the first Portuguese monarchs. Legend has it that within its walls King Dinis learned to read and write before founding the country's first university.

Coimbra's New Cathedral (Sé Nova), though called 'new,' dates from the 16th century and represents the Jesuit style with Baroque elements. Originally a church of the Jesuit order, it only became a cathedral in 1772, when the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal. Its bright interior contrasts with the gloomy character of the Old Cathedral. Note the impressive organ, which still impresses with its sound during religious ceremonies. The cathedral's facade, with its distinctive towers and rich sculptural decoration, is one of the finest examples of Portuguese Baroque.

Complementing the city's spiritual heritage is the Church of Santa Cruz, founded in 1131 by the Augustinians. This temple has special historical significance - the first kings of Portugal rest here: Afonso Henriques and Sancho I. The Manueline tombstones of the monarchs, made in the 16th century, are masterpieces of Portuguese Renaissance sculpture. The interior of the church impresses with its azulejos (distinctive blue and white tiles) and richly decorated choir. The cloister adjacent to the church is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. In the past, the Santa Cruz Monastery was an important cultural and educational center - it was here, before the founding of the university, that the first public school in Coimbra functioned.

Comparing the three churches reveals the evolution of Portuguese religious architecture over the centuries. The Old Cathedral represents austere Romanism, the Santa Cruz Church combines Gothic with Manueline splendor, and the New Cathedral shows Baroque monumentality. Each building offers a different experience, from the mystical atmosphere of the Old Cathedral, to the historic solemnity of Santa Cruz, to the Baroque splendor of the New Cathedral. In terms of acoustics, Santa Cruz is the best, hosting regular organ music concerts. The Old Cathedral, on the other hand, offers the most authentic medieval experience, while the New Cathedral impresses with its richness of decoration.

Miradouro do Penedo da Saudade is one of the most atmospheric viewpoints in Coimbra. The name of this place, which can be translated as 'Rock of Longing,' perfectly captures its melancholic character. Located on a hilltop, the observation deck offers a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Mondego River. This place has a special meaning for Coimbra's students - for centuries they have come here to miss home or their loved ones. The walls and stone benches are covered with engraved poems and dedications, creating a kind of book of feelings and memories. According to local legend, the name derives from King Pedro I, who came here to mourn his murdered sweetheart Inês de Castro. The story of their forbidden love is one of Portugal's most tragic legends.

Pedro and Inês' love story has found its modern-day commemoration in the form of the Ponte Pedonal Pedro e Inês, a modern pedestrian bridge over the Mondego River. This architectural marvel, opened in 2006, is not only a functional crossing, but also a work of art. The bridge consists of two parts that do not directly connect in the middle - symbolizing the tragic story of lovers who were separated by death. The colorful glass panels create a rainbow effect as one crosses the bridge, and in the evening the illumination gives the structure a magical appearance. Unlike Coimbra's historic monuments, the bridge represents a modern vision of the city, combining tradition with innovation.

The Porta e Torre de Almedina is a medieval gate and tower, a remnant of the defensive walls that once surrounded the city. This 12th-century structure was the main entrance to the old city and is still a symbol of its historic borders. Climbing the tower, you can admire the narrow streets of the old city and imagine what Coimbra looked like in its heyday. Inside the tower is a small museum dedicated to the history of the city's fortifications. Interestingly, near the gate is one of the narrowest houses in Europe - it is only 1.5 meters wide!

A must-see for families with children is Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature theme park depicting Portugal's most important buildings and monuments on a scale suitable for children. Created in 1940, the park is not only a tourist attraction, but also an educational journey through Portuguese history and culture. Here you can see miniature versions of palaces, cathedrals, traditional houses from different regions of the country, and even buildings from former Portuguese colonies. Children can literally 'tour' the entire country in a few hours, entering small buildings and learning about Portugal's architectural heritage. The park is relatively inexpensive compared to other children's attractions and offers several hours of fun combined with learning.

Comparing the four sites in terms of popularity, Ponte Pedonal Pedro e Inês and Portugal dos Pequenitos attract the most tourists, while Miradouro do Penedo da Saudade and Porta e Torre de Almedina remain somewhat off the main tourist trail. If you're looking for tranquility and authenticity, the latter two are worth a visit, especially at sunset, when Miradouro do Penedo da Saudade offers the most magical views. The Pedro e Inês Bridge, on the other hand, looks best after dark, when its colorful illumination is reflected in the waters of Mondego. Portugal dos Pequenitos is the perfect option for the morning, when temperatures are cooler and you can take a leisurely tour of the miniature buildings. Each of these places shows a different face of Coimbra - from romantic and nostalgic, to historical, to modern and family-oriented, creating a complete picture of this fascinating city of students.