| With a 2001 population of 148,000, Coimbra is the | | | | the world as well as being known as one of the |
| main city of central Portugal, having once served as | | | | most beautiful in all of Europe. |
| the capital of the country (from 1139 to 1260). | | | | Coimbra was one the Roman town of Aeminium, and |
| Coimbra is also home to one of the oldest universities | | | | many important archeological remains still exist, |
| in Europe. Eclipsed in size by the much larger Porto | | | | including a very well-preserved Roman aqueduct and |
| and Lisbon, Coimbra is still considered to be the main | | | | cryptoporticus. The nearby Conimbriga has some |
| seat of learning in Portugal. | | | | exceptional Roman ruins including the very well |
| The University of Coimbra is the main tourist | | | | preserved city walls. |
| attraction in the city. The school is built on a hill | | | | There are also some fine museums in Coimbra, |
| around a large main square, and beneath it is the | | | | including the city museum in the Edificio Chiada and |
| entrance to a Baroque Chapel. The most notable | | | | the Museo Nacional Machado de Castro, which is |
| attraction is the Library, which features a collection of | | | | named for the famous sculptor Joachim Machado de |
| over 300,000 books displayed throughout 3 main | | | | Castro, and is housed in the former Palace of Bishops. |
| rooms on exquisite shelves made of fine woods. The | | | | This museum is regarded as one of the most |
| beautiful painted ceilings are also a wonderful feature | | | | important in the country. |
| of the Library. Another great highlight of the | | | | Coimbra comes alive in the beginning of May for the |
| University is the 18th century Botanic Garden, which | | | | "Burning of the Ribbons" student festival, as well as |
| is spread out on 32 acres, and is the fifth oldest in | | | | the "Tin Can Parade" student festival in November. |