Coimbra: The Heartbeat of Portuguese History and Academia

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDesculpe/Desculpa
  [deh-skool-peh/deh-skool-pah]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Estou bem. E você?
  [ehs-toh-oo behn. eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [koo-ahn-too koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-shahr ooh preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sao]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [may-ah oh-rah (dohs-ehs)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-tay]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhay]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
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• 3Três
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• 4Quatro
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• 5Cinco
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• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehsh]

• Where's a/the...?Onde está o/a...?
  [ohn-deh ehs-tah ooh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh moh-strahr-meh (noo mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [koo-ahn-doo eh ooh proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-kah-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lyeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Coimbra's history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Aeminium. The city was an important administrative hub within the Roman Empire. Significant remnants from this period include the cryptoporticus, an underground gallery beneath the Machado de Castro National Museum, which showcases ancient Roman engineering.

In the medieval period, Coimbra gained prominence when it became the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Portugal in 1139 under the reign of King Afonso I. During this time, the city grew as a political and cultural center, with the construction of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha) and the Monastery of Santa Cruz, where the first two kings of Portugal are buried.

Founded in 1290 by King Dinis, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in the world. Initially established in Lisbon, it was permanently moved to Coimbra in 1537, making the city a beacon of education and intellectual pursuit. The university's historic buildings, such as the Joanina Library and the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, add to its academic prestige.

During the Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries, Coimbra played a crucial role in training navigators and scholars who contributed to Portugal's maritime explorations. The university was instrumental in disseminating knowledge and innovations that fueled the era's exploratory spirit.

Coimbra was a significant site during the Liberal Wars (1828-1834), a civil conflict between liberal constitutionalists and absolutists in Portugal. The city witnessed several battles and was a strategic location for the liberal forces. The victory of the liberals led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Portugal.

In 1969, Coimbra became a focal point of political unrest when university students led significant protests against the authoritarian Estado Novo regime. These protests were part of a broader movement that eventually contributed to the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which restored democracy in Portugal.

In 2013, the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the city's historical and cultural significance, particularly its enduring legacy in education, architecture, and urban planning.

Coimbra is well-connected and accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, around 120 kilometers north of Coimbra. From Porto, you can take a direct train or bus to Coimbra, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon is approximately 200 kilometers south of Coimbra, and the journey by train or bus from Lisbon to Coimbra usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Coimbra also has a well-serviced train station, Coimbra-B, which connects to major cities in Portugal.

Coimbra has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis. The city's buses are operated by SMTUC and cover most tourist attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing services like Uber also operate in Coimbra. For exploring the historic center, walking is the best option due to the narrow streets and pedestrian zones. There are also bicycle rental services for those who prefer to cycle. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient option.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Coimbra. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city. Most major international credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but it's always good to confirm beforehand.

Coimbra is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other city, it is important to remain vigilant and take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. The areas around the university and the historic center are generally safe, but it’s best to be cautious in less populated neighborhoods.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Coimbra has several hospitals and clinics that provide emergency medical care, including the University Hospital of Coimbra. Pharmacies (farmácias) are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications and basic medical advice. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual for most places; avoid overly casual attire like beachwear when not at the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites; cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women; don't talk loudly or play loud music. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a polite 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'Leitão à Bairrada' and 'Pastel de Tentúgal'; don’t leave a tip on the table, as service is usually included in the bill.

To experience Coimbra like a local, visit the Mercado D. Pedro V for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the 'Repúblicas,' traditional student houses with a unique atmosphere. Attend a Fado de Coimbra performance, a traditional genre of music unique to the city. Wander around the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. Don’t miss the Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece located within the University of Coimbra.