Coimbra is a city full of history. Its topography and geographical situation have contributed to the establishment of populations and, consequently growth and development of the territory over time. Although not a big city, it was one of the most important in the Roman period.
From the Islamic era persisted the denomination given to the interior of the city intra-walls, the almedina, and extra-walls, the arrabalde. The location of the alcáçova, that is, the fortified palace where the governor of the city lived, was also established during the Islamic stay in the city. This construction will later be the royal palace, where the first kings of Portugal lived.
D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, settled with the court in Coimbra, becoming the home city of the kingdom. The strategic situation of the city and its imposing walls were factors favorable to the monarch's policy of conquering territory. From the city departed the military expeditions towards the south. Well located with fertile land, with a good river port, well fortified and populated, Coimbra had among its population a considerable number of magnates, inphtricaities, knights and members of the high clergy. D. Afonso Henriques boosted the construction or reconstruction of several buildings.
The city welcomes a heritage with an architectural, cultural and natural value of great interest that reflects the great moments of history, not only of Coimbra, but of Portugal.
Currently, Coimbra is the capital of district and municipality, has an area of 319.4km2 and 18 parishes. Its university strand remains , and continues to give movement to the city, which remains one of the places of preference for further studies in the widest areas.
In addition to the architectural heritage, the University has deeply marked the social, cultural and economic dynamics of Coimbra. There had to be services that would prove their needs. Effectively many "futricas" (name given to conimbricenses by students) such as the tendeiros, the artisans, the servants, the washers, the booklets and even the owners of the properties destined for rent, guided their economic activity according to the needs of the student population.
The academic festivals would be, and are still these days, adopted by the city. The "Latada", or reception to the freshman at the beginning of the school year and the "Burning of the Ribbons", in May, were eventually considered as parties of the city, bringing thousands of visitors to the city. The activities of the Academic Association whether sports or cultural - such as tunas, coral and theatrical groups and clubs - were also considered to be conimbricenses. The song itself or fado of Coimbra is currently a tourist attraction.
The primitive core of the city, is currently occupied mainly by commerce and services, having lost its residential function. The University is also expanding to the new areas of the city with the construction of the new poles, collaborating and driving this movement of urban growth.
It is one of the Portuguese cities with the best quality of life, offering a significantly lower cost of living compared to other competing cities.
As a hub of technological development and innovation of excellence, it enhances the emergence of job opportunities and the creation of new companies. The competence and quality of health care provided, with a vast network of public and private equipment, available 24 hours a day, transmits security to those who live there.
Coimbra also presents a diverse cultural offer , with shows, museums, galleries and exhibitions, placing it in a differentiated position compared to the other cities of the country, providing an environment of cultural sophistication to those who live in it and to whom it is visited.
Access to motorways and main itineraries is situated within 5 minutes of its business parks to the north, west and south of the city. Coimbra's strategic location allows you to quickly reach any point in the country, and it will not take more than 10 minutes to reach any point in the city. The municipality of Coimbra is served by a large public transport network, which guarantee free Wi-Fi, as in various locations of the city.
At the economic level in the region, there is emphasis on companies related to construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade (those with more importance for the economy of the county), as well as real estate business.
With an average annual temperature of 15.5º C, combined with a rich and diverse gastronomy and the constant animation of a city of events, youth irreverence and leisure foci, Coimbra is a city to visit, study, work and invest.
Source: Coimbra City Hall