Individual admission
€2.50
A fortified Romanesque cathedral with a sculpted portal, columned nave, Gothic cloister and important tombs. The austere exterior opens to carved capitals, a vaulted sanctuary and a cloister fitted tightly to the hillside.
A fortified Romanesque cathedral with a sculpted portal, columned nave, Gothic cloister and important tombs.

The Old Cathedral of Coimbra stands as a striking example of a fortified Romanesque structure in the historic heart of Coimbra. Visitors encounter an austere, fortress-like exterior that transitions into a serene interior featuring a columned nave and intricate carved capitals. The experience focuses on the intersection of medieval artistic traditions and religious heritage, highlighted by the tranquil Gothic cloister built into the hillside. Exploring the vaulted sanctuary and important historical tombs provides a deep connection to the city's civic and academic past. This site offers a meaningful look at authentic medieval design.

Construction of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra began in 1162 and concluded in 1184, establishing a structure defined by its thick, fortress-like walls and crenellated silhouette. In 1185, the cathedral served as the site for the coronation of King Sancho I, marking its role in the early Portuguese monarchy. This *Romanesque cathedral* represents one of the country's most significant architectural sites, featuring a later Gothic cloister and Renaissance sculpture by João de Ruão.
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