Coimbra is the largest city in the district of Coimbra and the Centro Region, and the fourth-largest agglomerated urban area in Portugal. The municipality of Coimbra has a population of approximately 143,397 people, spread over an area of 319.40 square kilometers (123.3 sq mi). The region of Região de Coimbra, encompassing 19 municipalities, is home to around 460,000 people.
Coimbra boasts numerous archaeological structures dating back to the Roman era, including a well-preserved aqueduct and cryptoporticus. The city also features buildings from its period as the capital of Portugal, which lasted from 1131 to 1255. During the late Middle Ages, Coimbra experienced a transition into a major cultural center. This transformation was largely influenced by the establishment of the first Portuguese university in 1290 in Lisbon, which was later relocated to Coimbra in 1308. The University of Coimbra is the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world and attracts both European and international students. The university’s historical monuments and landmarks, such as the Joanine Library and the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), are popular tourist attractions.
Coimbra is often referred to as the “City of Knowledge” due to its association with the prestigious University of Coimbra. The city is divided into two main sections: the upper section (Alta) and the lower section (Baixa). The upper section houses the university, the Joanine Library, and the Sé Velha, while the lower section is more commercial with restaurants and budget eateries.