University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra is an institution for the creation, critical analysis, transfer and dissemination of culture, science and technology. Through research, teaching and the provision of services to the community, it contributes to economic and social development, environmental protection, the promotion of social justice and an informed and responsible society, and the consolidation of knowledge-based sovereignty.
History of the University
The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290, one century after the birth of the nation. It began its activities in Lisbon, but in 1308 it was transferred to Coimbra, alternating between the two cities until 1537, when it was finally established in the city of the Mondego River.
Initially confined to the Royal Palace, the University spread throughout the city of Coimbra, transforming its landscape and making it the University City. It later expanded with the creation of a second campus dedicated to Engineering and Technology, and a third campus dedicated to Health Sciences.
Studying at the University of Coimbra, which has educated some of Portugal’s most outstanding cultural, scientific and political figures, means continuing the intellectual heritage of a nation. With more than seven centuries of history the University of Coimbra has a unique tangible and intangible heritage, a cornerstone in the scientific culture of Europe and the world, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
Travel to Coimbra
The 7th Biennial Conference of the European Rural History Organisation (EURHO) will take place in Coimbra. The city is located in Portugal and is the capital of the district of the same name, 200 km north of Lisbon and 115 km south of Porto. The average temperature in September is around 20-21 degrees Celsius.
The closest airports to Coimbra are: Sá Carneiro/Porto Airport (1h20) and Humberto Delgado/Lisbon Airport (2h20).
The main transports available to reach the city are the train and the bus. It is possible to buy tickets on the following websites or on the application of these companies:
Train
+ CP
Bus
+ Rede Expressos
+ FlixBus
Coimbra has two railway stations:
Coimbra A, next to the Mondego river in the lower part of the city. Regional trains depart from this station.
Coimbra B, the main station. Further outside the city, from where all types of trains can be taken, including high-speed trains that link the city with the rest of the country, with regular departures to Lisbon and Porto.
Conference locations
The 7th Biennial Conference of the European Rural History Organisation (EURHO) will be held by University of Coimbra in two different buildings: fhe Faculty of Arts (FLUC) on 9-11 September and the Faculty of Economics (FEUC) on 12 September.
The city
Local Transport
The most used transport options by application are: UBER and BOLT.
To use public transport the ticket prize is around 2€
It is possible to pay the ticket in cash to the driver or buy a card with several trips in the SMTUC stores.
To know the schedules and routes you can use the MOOVIT app.
Places to visit
The city of Coimbra stands on the banks of the river Mondego. An important cultural centre where the country’s first university was established. Its historic centre has several churches and convents, an aqueduct, two cathedrals, museums such as the Natural History Museum and a botanical garden. There are also panoramic views and interesting local sweet shops. Some places of interest are the following:
Biblioteca Joanina
Largo da Porta Férrea
Sé Velha (Old Cathedral)
Largo da Sé Velha
Sé Nova (New Cathedral)
Largo Feira dos Estudantes
Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
Calçada Martim de Freitas
Parque Verde do Mondego
Av. Lousã
Docas Rio Restaurant – Close to Parque Verde do Mondego
Av. Lousã n.98
Pastelaria Briosa Coimbra – Portuguese traditional sweets
Largo da Portagem
Doce Meu Handmade – Portuguese traditional sweets
R. Visc. da Luz n.8
Gelataria COSÌ
Rua do Quebra Costa n.1
DOPPO Gelataria
Praça do Comércio n.9
Passaporte Coimbra Restaurant – Panoramic view of the city
Couraça da Estrela n.13
Accommodation
Attendants are required to book their own accommodation.
The city of Coimbra has a variety of accommodation options. Below is a short list of some optional choices of hotels, which are close to the conference locations and the city centre.
Studios Greenside
Rua das Parreiras 31 Celas, 3000-326 Coimbra, Portugal
Celas Dream Studio
Rua das Parreiras, 34 – 3 Esquerdo, Celas, 3000-326 Coimbra, Portugal
CSI Coimbra & Guest House – Student accommodation
Rua Bernardim RIbeiro, 76, 3000-069 Coimbra, Portugal
Hotel Residencial Alentejana
Rua Dr. Henrique Seco 1, 3000-145 Coimbra, Portugal
Hotel Tryp Coimbra Aeminium, Affiliated by Meliá
Av. Armando Gonçalves, Lote 20, 3000 059 Coimbra, Portugal
HI Coimbra – Pousada de Juventude
Rua Dr. Henriques Seco nº14, 3000-145 Coimbra, Portugal
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Av.Fernão de Magalhães, 199, 3000-176 Coimbra, Portugal
Hotel Ibis Coimbra Centro
Avenida Emidio Navarro, 70, 3000-150 Coimbra, Portugal
Hotel Astoria
Av. Émidio Navarro 21, 3000-150 Coimbra, Portugal
Hotel Coimbra Dona Inês
Rua Abel Dias Urbano, 12, 3000-001 Coimbra, Portugal