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- About Coimbra<\/a><\/li>\n
- A little bit of history<\/a><\/li>\n
- A must-do list<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to get to Coimbra<\/a><\/li>\n
- Conference Venue – Department of Mathematics<\/a><\/li>\n
- Accommodation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
About Coimbra<\/h2>\n
Coimbra has a charm all its own!<\/strong> Nestled along the banks of the Mondego River<\/strong>, the city is the product of a rich history and the fond memories of the many thousands of students who, scattered across the world, still recall the carefree, hopeful days of their youth at Coimbra\u2019s ancient University<\/strong> \u2014 one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>. Conveniently positioned about 130 km south of Porto<\/strong> and 200 km north of Lisbon<\/strong>, with easy access by major railway lines, Coimbra once served as Portugal\u2019s capital<\/strong> during the early Middle Ages. Today, it remains one of the country\u2019s most historically layered and culturally vibrant cities \u2014 a true intellectual heart of central Portugal.<\/p>\n
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A little bit of history<\/h2>\n
Though prehistoric traces<\/strong> are few, they testify to an early human presence on the site of modern Coimbra. The Roman cryptoporticus<\/strong>, preserved beneath the former Bishop\u2019s Palace \u2014 now the National Museum Machado de Castro<\/strong> \u2014 offers a glimpse into its ancient origins.<\/p>\n
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the city saw successive waves of Vandals<\/strong>, Suevi<\/strong>, Alans<\/strong>, and Visigoths<\/strong>, each shaping its evolving character. In 711<\/strong>, Coimbra came under Moorish rule<\/strong>, remaining an Islamic city for more than three centuries<\/strong>, punctuated by brief Christian reoccupations. The final Reconquest in 1064<\/strong>, led by Ferdinand the Great<\/strong>, transformed Coimbra into a strategic meeting point between the Muslim south<\/strong> and the Christian north<\/strong>, fostering a thriving Mozarabic community<\/strong> and a rich cultural synthesis.<\/p>\n
From 1139 until 1260<\/strong>, Coimbra served as the capital of Portugal<\/strong>, a period that saw the birth of six medieval kings. In 1290<\/strong>, Portugal\u2019s first university<\/strong> was founded in Lisbon and later transferred permanently to Coimbra in 1537<\/strong>, becoming the renowned Universidade de Coimbra<\/strong>. Its chapel<\/strong>, adorned with a magnificently carved Renaissance door<\/strong> , and its Baroque library<\/strong>, the Biblioteca Joanina<\/strong>, stand among the most remarkable symbols of learning and art in Europe. The library\u2019s collection includes nearly one million volumes<\/strong> and 3,000 manuscripts<\/strong>, among them a first edition of Lu\u00eds de Cam\u00f5es\u2019s<\/strong> Os Lus\u00edadas<\/em>.<\/p>\n
In the 18th century<\/strong>, the Marquis of Pombal\u2019s university reforms<\/strong> ushered in a new academic era, strengthening Coimbra\u2019s prominence in the Natural and Experimental Sciences<\/strong>. The 19th century<\/strong> brought urban expansion, while the 20th century<\/strong> saw the development of new university campuses \u2014 Polo II<\/strong> for Science and Technology, and Polo III<\/strong> for Life Sciences \u2014 extending the city\u2019s influence and modern academic landscape.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, the University of Coimbra \u2013 Alta and Sofia<\/strong> is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>, honoring its global role in the creation and dissemination of knowledge<\/strong>. Over the centuries, it has absorbed and reflected the cultural, artistic, and intellectual influences<\/strong> of the Portuguese-speaking world<\/strong>, becoming a living testament to Portugal\u2019s Age of Discoveries<\/strong> and its enduring contributions to the arts, sciences, law, architecture, and urban design<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
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A Must-Do List<\/h2>\n
When visiting Coimbra, make sure not to miss these highlights:<\/p>\n
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Explore the University Hill<\/strong> \u2014 Visit the hilltop campus of the University of Coimbra<\/strong>, a symbol of Portuguese culture and learning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Admire the Biblioteca Joanina<\/strong> \u2014 Step inside one of the most beautiful Baroque libraries in the world<\/strong>, rich with history and ornate craftsmanship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Wander through the Botanical Garden<\/strong> \u2014 Founded in 1773<\/strong>, it offers a lush collection of rare plant species and a serene, romantic atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Discover the Science Museum<\/strong> \u2014 Visit the historic Chemistry and Physics buildings<\/strong>, which house 18th- and 19th-century scientific instruments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Visit the Machado de Castro National Museum<\/strong> \u2014 Built over the Roman cryptoporticus<\/strong>, it features exceptional art and sculpture collections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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See the Old Cathedral (S\u00e9 Velha)<\/strong> \u2014 A 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece that stands as one of the city\u2019s oldest and most striking monuments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Stroll through downtown Coimbra<\/strong> \u2014 Pass under the Almedina Arch<\/strong>, explore narrow medieval streets, and soak in the city\u2019s timeless atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Relax by the Mondego River<\/strong> \u2014 Enjoy the tranquil Parque Verde do Mondego<\/strong> or Dr. Manuel Braga Park<\/strong>, with restaurants, bars, and the scenic Pedro and In\u00eas pedestrian bridge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Feel the romance at Quinta das L\u00e1grimas<\/strong> \u2014 Discover the legendary love story of Pedro and In\u00eas<\/strong>, immortalized in Portuguese history and poetry.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Experience local food and music<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Taste regional dishes like chanfana<\/strong> and suckling pig<\/strong>, and listen to the soulful strains of Fado de Coimbra<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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How to get there<\/h2>\n
Coimbra is easily reached from Portugal\u2019s two main international gateways: Francisco S\u00e1 Carneiro Airport (Porto)<\/strong> and Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon)<\/strong> \u2014 both within about two hours by train or car<\/strong>. Frequent rail services make Coimbra a convenient and unforgettable stop on any journey through Portugal. Check all schedules at the the website of Comboios de Portugal<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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Conference Venue – Department of Mathematics<\/h2>\n
The conference will take place at the Department of Mathematics of the University of Coimbra, situated in the historic Alta (upper town), at the heart of the university\u2019s main campus (Polo I). This area forms part of the University of Coimbra \u2013 Alta and Sofia UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its rich academic tradition and striking architectural heritage.<\/p>\n
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- A little bit of history<\/a><\/li>\n