PORTUGAL - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 466

Day Excursion to
Coimbra
University Town
Depart from Lisbon Santa Apolonia Station
Distance by Train: 135 miles (218 km)
Average Train Time: 2 hours
City Dialing Code: 39
Tourist Information Office: Largo Toll, 3000-337 Coimbra
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.turismo-centro.pt
E-mail: [e-mail]
Hours: Summer (June -September): 0900-2000 Monday-Friday, 0900-1800
Saturday-Sunday; Winter (January-April and September-December): 0900-1800
Monday-Friday, 0930-1230 and 1330-1730 Saturday-Sunday
Notes: Trains from Lisbon stop at the Coimbra B Station, a short distance north of
the city center. Either take a taxi to Largo da Portagem, or take a shuttle train into
the main station. The tourist office is at the approach to the great bridge spanning
the Mondego River. If you take the shuttle to the main station, walk 4 blocks away
from the station, upstream along the river, until you come to the bridge approach.
Coimbra is one of Portugal's most charming cities, uniquely blending the old and
the new. Site of the oldest university in Portugal, its ancient buildings seem to blend
perfectly with the modern spirit of its students. Founded in 1290 in Lisbon, the uni-
versity was transferred to its current site in 1537 to compensate for moving Por-
tugal's capital from Coimbra to Lisbon.
Coimbra University sits on a hilltop overlooking the river. In keeping with tradition,
many students wear black suits and capes, marked with ribbons in tones that de-
note their scholarship.
There is an air of antiquity surrounding Coimbra. It is the scene of the largest
Roman archaeological site in Portugal. Coimbra's cathedral is said to be the finest
Romanesque building in Portugal. Gothic tombs and an art collection are housed in
this 12th-century monument.
An unusual attraction for “children” of all ages is the Portugal dos Pequeninos
(Portugal of the Little Ones), in which you will find a miniaturized version of architec-