COIMBRA

Coimbra soon to be one of the host for Euro 2004, is the 3rd largest city in Portugal and the ancient capital. It is built on a hillside with steep climbs through winding streets lined with interesting buildings and shops. These lead to the university and Cathederal at the peak. In Coimbra you will find many attractions such as the Almedina arch, Quebra-Costas steps to the Manueline door of the Sub-Ripas Palace,the Torre de Anto (Anto Tower), the Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the Machado de Castro National Museum, famous for its collections of paintings, sculpture, gold work and tapestries.
The University of Coimbra which was founded 1290 has played a major role in the social, economic, and political life of Portugal for over 700 years. There are new complexes which house the Faculties of Economics, Engineering, and Medicine.The University is an institution of 25,000 students.
Upper Coimbra caters for the students with its many bars open until late and lower Coimbra is the commercial centre with plenty of shops. There is a wide range of shops from expensive to inexpensive. You will find anything from boutiques to brand named shops such as Levi's, Burberry's or Benneton. The streets are full of life with many nationalities In the handicraft shops, or in the Anto Tower, you can discover the famous Coimbra pottery, hand-painted just as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries.
On the way to the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), full of items of art and exotic trees, there is the monumental Jardim da Manga (Manga Garden).

There are many Hotels in Coimbra, which are reasonably priced and are located all over the City. There is a large Hospital with specialist units and are the best in the Country.

There is large shopping mall (Continente), which house a large supermarket, food hall and good quality shops. You will find names such as Mc Donalds, Pizza Pan, Vodafone Shop, Benneton, Mango and Tommy Hillfiger etc.