The Coimbra District is in the central part of Portugal. Its most important attraction is the city of Coimbra, the former capital and also the most important university center of the country. The important resort of Figueira da Foz is located on the coast.
Coimbra is Portugal's third largest city. Its old part rises on a hill above the Mondego River. In addition to the historic churches, of which the Se cathedral is the oldest, there is a university building with a magnificent library and an azulejos lined chapel of St. Michael.
Not far from the capital of the region you can see the country's most important archaeological site from Roman times. Coimbraga is the remains of a Roman city that flourished from the second century BC to the 2nd century AD. There are ruins of houses with floor mosaics, temples, thermal baths and public buildings, and items from excavations can be seen in the Monográfico de Conímbriga museum.
Las Buçaco located near Coimbra is an excellent place for enthusiasts of active leisure. Originally it was a monastery park, in which 700 species of exotic plants were planted. Today, this unusual forest is cut by a network of walking trails, where you can find prepared resting places.
The most important town on the coast of Coimbra is Figueiza da Foz. Its treasure is the wide sandy beaches at which hotels and guesthouses grew in the second half of the 20th century. Due to favorable sea currents this is a place often chosen by surfers.
