Destination Weddings in Coimbra

Coimbra was Portugal's capital from 1143 to 1255 and its historical worth ranks immediately behind that of Lisbon and Oporto. The town is situated on a hill on the right bank of the River Mondego, and it is cherished by most of the Portugeuse. Coimbra was liberated from Moor occupation in 1064 and has rapidly evolved as a thriving city by Conde de Sesmundo. The name of this city during the Roman period was Aeminium, but it has been influenced by its neighboring Conimbriga, which is now a significant archaeological location with a museum to exhibit its findings.

Coimbra boasts one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in August of 1290 by King Dinis. The school library of Biblioteca Joanna holds an astounding collection of over 300,000 books dating back from the 12th Century. The skyline declares the importance that the town places on academic achievement, and this is evidenced by the manner in which the university is prominently situated, high above the town. The town is lively with students when school is in session, and quiet around the holidays. The best time to visit this area is in May, when students celebrate the end of the academic year in the Queima das Fitas, as they ritually tear their gowns and faculty ribbons.

There are a variety of significant buildings and churches dating back from the 12th Century. Igreja de Santa Cruz is a church that has been altered during the 16th Century to its present model of Manueline carved architecture work. Coimbra also boasts the largest Botanical Garden in the country. The Sé Velho was originally built in the 12th Century and is one of the best illustrations of Romanesque churches in Portugal.

Because of its emphasis on history and education, the town of Coimbra is popular as a wedding destination for its symbolic elements, which are evident throughout every corner of the celebrated town.