Alta de Coimbra: The Heart of History and Culture

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [por fah-vohr]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDesculpe
  [dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [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 oo meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
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• I would like to pay, pleaseQueria pagar, por favor
  [keh-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah 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
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh 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
  [eh-stoh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh by-shahr oo preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahsh sah-oh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [may-ah oh-rah (dehs)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
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• EveningNoite
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• YesterdayOntem
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• TodayHoje
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• 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
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• 7Sete
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• 8Oito
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• 9Nove
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• 10Dez
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• Where's a/the...?Onde está o/a...?
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• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
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• 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)?
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• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

The area now known as Alta de Coimbra has its roots in the early days of Coimbra itself, which was established as a Roman city known as Aeminium. By the time the Moors occupied the region in the 8th century, Coimbra had developed into a significant urban center. Alta de Coimbra became a hub for education and culture, especially with the establishment of the University of Coimbra in 1290, which furthered the area's reputation as a scholarly haven.

The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Alta de Coimbra. Established in 1290, it has been a center for intellectual activity and has influenced various aspects of Portuguese culture, including literature, science, and philosophy. The university's historical buildings, such as the Joanina Library, are located in this neighborhood and showcase the rich architectural styles from different eras.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Alta de Coimbra flourished with the construction of numerous baroque churches and buildings. The most notable among them is the Church of Santa Cruz, which houses the tomb of Portugal's first king, Afonso I. This period marked a significant religious and cultural revival in the area, reflected in the intricate designs and artworks that adorn the neighborhood.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a rise in liberal thought influenced by the Enlightenment. The University of Coimbra became a breeding ground for revolutionary ideas, which culminated in the Liberal Wars (1828-1834). Alta de Coimbra was a focal point for these movements, with students and intellectuals advocating for constitutional monarchy and civil rights, shaping modern Portuguese society.

Today, Alta de Coimbra is known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting various festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. Events such as the Queima das Fitas, a traditional student festival, highlight the neighborhood's ongoing connection to education and culture. The blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy continues to define the identity of Alta de Coimbra, making it a living testament to Portugal's past and present.

Alta de Coimbra is centrally located and easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Coimbra. If you are arriving by train, the Coimbra-B station serves intercity trains, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Alta de Coimbra. The local bus network, operated by SMTUC, connects various neighbourhoods, with lines 3 and 34 being particularly useful for reaching Alta de Coimbra from the city centre. If you are coming from the airport, the nearest major airport is Porto Airport (OPO), approximately 130 kilometers away, from where you can take a train or bus to Coimbra.

Alta de Coimbra is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions can be explored on foot. For longer distances, buses are available, with several routes operated by SMTUC. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops, and several bike lanes make cycling a viable option. Taxis are readily available, and rideshare services operate in the area as well. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, consider walking to enjoy the charming streets and local architecture.

Alta de Coimbra is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, especially around the outskirts. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals include Hospital Geral de Coimbra, located nearby. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues or medication, you can find pharmacies throughout the neighbourhood, often marked with a green cross.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the University of Coimbra. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and legs when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Olá' and a smile. A handshake is common; avoid overly familiar gestures unless you know the person. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'chanfana' and 'pastéis de nata', and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food or drink in public settings, as it may be considered disrespectful.

To experience Alta de Coimbra like a local, visit the local cafés and bakeries where you can enjoy a coffee and a pastel de nata while people-watching. Engage with local residents by participating in community events or visiting markets. Don’t miss the stunning views from the Botanical Garden and the nearby areas of the University of Coimbra. For a unique local experience, try to attend a Fado performance, as Coimbra has its own style of this traditional Portuguese music.