Religious History and Art Tour with Tickets

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

   Meet your guide and set off on a journey through Coimbra's religious history and art. Visit the Church and Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, a female monastery built in the 17th century. Admire its gilded baroque decorations and interior garden, and learn about the religious order that lived there. The Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Nova is located on the other side of the Mondego River, on the left bank at the heights of a hill. It was built to replace the Monastery Santa-Clara-a-Velha which due to its position in relation to the Mondego River is constantly flooded. We will visit the church and monastery, which includes the visit to the church, the cloistered garden, chapter house, and choir. Admission tickets are included in the price of the tour.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

2. Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

   The Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery is located in Coimbra, on the left side of the Mondego river. It was builtin 1314 at the orders of the Queen Saint Isabel of Aragon, replacing a small convent of nuns of the Order of St. Clare, founded in 1286. Combining the Romanesque and Gothic styles, the building was completed in 1330, having been designed by the architect Domingos Domingues, who had previously worked on the Mosteiro de Alcobaça.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Igreja De Sao Tiago

   Along the route, we will also see other landmarks that complete the story of the city, such as the Church of Santiago, connected to medieval pilgrims and the Templar Knights. We will visit this Romanesque Church and discuss its history, as well as the Romanesque art style.

   20 minutes here

4. Se Velha De Coimbra

   Continue to the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, a Romanesque church that played a crucial role in Portugal's history. Learn about its construction after the Battle of Ourique, when Afonso Henriques declared himself King of Portugal and chose Coimbra as the capital for the newly established country. We will visit the Sé Velha church. Admission tickets are included in the price of the tour

   30 minutes here · Admission included

5. Torre de Almedina

   The main gate providing access to the city walls of Coimbra, whose foundations date back to the Islamic occupation. They were part of a complex of gates and towers that made up the Coimbra city wall, which was almost two kilometers long.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Igreja de Santa Cruz

   Next, head to the Church of Santa Cruz, a National Pantheon Monument where the mortal remains of first King of Portugal lie. Discover the unique azulejo tiles depicting important battles in Portuguese history and hear about the Monastery of Santa Cruz's role in making Coimbra a center of learning and education. We will visit the church and entire Monastery. Admission tickets are included in the price of the tour.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

7. Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra

   Coimbra’s New Cathedral (Sé Nova) is one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks, a true jewel of Portuguese Baroque architecture. Located in the historic center of Coimbra, the cathedral was built in the 16th century after the destruction of the old Church of Santa Maria. Its imposing façade, influenced by the Mannerist style, immediately catches the eye, reflecting the grandeur of the time.

   Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

pt, en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

Group size

Up to 12 travelers per booking

Operated by

Explore Coimbra

Know before you go

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Photos