Coimbra is considered, alongside Braga, the third most important city of Portugal outside Lisbon and Porto Metropolitan Areas, and plays a role as the chief city of the central part of the country. The city, which was the capital of Portugal from 1139 to about 1260, has a large archeological site with extensive ruins dating from the time it was a Roman town called Aeminium. Coimbra developed into an important cultural centre, mainly because of the University of Coimbra founded in 1290. The university is one of the oldest in Europe and attracts students from around the world, which gives the city a special and rare atmosphere.

Coimbra is one of Portugal's oldest cities (it already was an important municipality in Roman times) and is home to one of the world's first universities.

It was the capital of the country from 1139 to 1256 and its university was founded in 1290. Today this impressive university is still one of the world's most illustrious and the city's biggest attraction.
Surrounding it in the old town (called "cidade alta" or "upper town") are fine old churches and narrow streets standing up on a hill overlooking the Modego River.

Down by the river is "Baixa" (downtown), the commercial heart of the city, with lively cafes, pastry shops, restaurants, boutiques, and other shops leading to Comercio Square. In a corner of this square is the Church of Săo Tiago, with a plain 12th-century façade, but in its interior is an exuberant Rococo alterpiece in gilded wood.

On another square nearby is the historic Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. It was founded in 1131, but its flamboyant arch at the entrance dates from the 18th century. Inside is an ornate pulpit and the elaborate tombs of the kings, as well as impressive cloisters in the Manueline style, designed in 1524.