Among our favorite stops was the small city of Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal from 1131-1255. Home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, the city has become a major cultural center. It’s a mix of creative, academic, ancient, and modern. Many of the archeological structures date back to the Roman era. Many of the city’s historical buildings are now classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their “ceremonial and cultural traditions” that are kept alive because of them. 

I’d recommend spending at least two days in this academic and cultural center of Portugal to discover what makes Coimbra such a unique place. Note: It’s steeped in history, but also in elevation as it’s built on a hill. Be prepared to walk uphill a lot. The good news is that at some point you get to walk back down again. :)