Overall Score
On the banks of the river Mozondega in Portugal lies the city of Coimbra, the administrative center of the municipality and of the county under the same name. 182 kilometers away is Lisbon. Coimbra, the capital city of the ancient province of Beira, was founded in 1111. It was founded by the inhabitants of the ancient Roman settlement of Conimicrieg, 16 kilometers from todays site.
After the 6th century invasion of the barbarians and the Sèves, the old city was destroyed and razed. The inhabitants of the ruined city were forced to look for a new settlement. A new settlement was chosen to be founded on a hillock near the banks of the Moondeg River. In the new place, the former inhabitants of the Roman city of Könìspring founded a new city.
For centuries, from the 8th century onward, the Moors and Mohammedans had fought hard for sovereignty over the city. In the second half of the 11th century, the city passed to the Christian rulers. In 1139, Câmara was transformed into the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal. It was the first capital city in the young nation.
The citys territory is home to the oldest university in Portugal, which was the only one in the country in 1910. The first students began studying in the 12th century. It was not once that an institution of higher learning was moved to Lisbon and returned each time. The last return was in 1537. By decree of Joan III, it was housed in the Kings residence. Among its graduates were the dictator Salazar, the poet Camões, and Saint Anthony of Padua.
The present-day city is divided into two parts, the Upper and Lower Towns. The Upper Town is an ancient town, surrounded by a wall of fortification. Its grounds are home to ancient landmarks. Beyond the walls is the Lower Town with its modern buildings and structures. Using the ancient gates, one can get from one part of the city to the other.
The University building, a former baroque royal palace, is the main attraction. On the chapel is the ancient bell that used to announce the beginning and end of classes. Nearby is the Old Library, founded by Jean V. Not far away are the Cathedral of Sce Novo and the Cathedral of Sce Viola, which was the seat of the Prítórgale conclave of Portugal.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 61 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 110,000 people
- GDP: $19,750 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 27 Mbps
- Best wireless: Vodafone
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Tipping 5% – 10% in restaurants is standard, although tipping should only be provided with the chance that you are extremely happy with the service. No tip is expected for some coffee/espresso or a beverage, although some people might leave the change, round up to the closest Euro (example 1,85 to 2EUR).
- Apartment listings: Asbeiras
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: Cowork.Coimbra
- Online electronics shop: Fnac
- Best short-haul air carrier: EasyJet
- Best intl air carrier: TAP
- Monthly costs for expat: $1300
- Monthly costs for family: $2400
- Monthly costs for local: $700
- Meal: $10
- Small Cola: $1.6
- Beer 1 Pint: $5
- Coffee: $0.7
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