Palácio de Sobre-Ribas

The Palacio de Sobre-Ribas, in Coimbra

The Palacio de Sobre-Ribas is an elegant palace of Coimbra, remarkable by its Manueline portal with a rich decoration. The Coimbra audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this fine old residence, built above the river, in the old town.

The Manueline palace above the river

As soon as the arch is crossed, you are pleasantly surprised by the portal with a rich naturalist decoration of the Palacio de Sobre-Ribas, attached to the Manueline architectural style, this typically Portuguese style born at the time of the great discoveries. As its name indicates, this palace was built above the river, sobre ribas in Portuguese. The old building is composed of two distinct parts, including the Casa de Cima, the upper house. Its façade and its sculpted portal testify to the refinement and the prosperity of the noble families who lived in the old upper town of Coimbra. Nestled in the network of the old alleys of the Alta, near the university, the palace is part of the rich heritage of the city of knowledge. A witness of the architecture and the art of living of the past, the Palacio de Sobre-Ribas is a fine stop of the discovery of the old town of Coimbra.

What to see

You admire the elegant old palace built above the river, its portal with a rich naturalist Manueline decoration and its sculpted façade, composed of two distinct parts including the Casa de Cima, nestled in the alleys of the old upper town near the university. The Palacio de Sobre-Ribas is a fine residence of Coimbra. It is a stop to be discovered, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palacio de Sobre-Ribas lies in the alleys of the old upper town of Coimbra, near the university, reachable on foot by climbs. You mainly admire its portal and façade from the street; it is a building whose access follows its own conditions. You discover it during a walk in the Alta.

Where does the name of the Palacio de Sobre-Ribas come from in Coimbra?

Its name means above the river, sobre ribas in Portuguese, because the palace was built overlooking the watercourse; this fine building stands out by its portal with a rich naturalist Manueline decoration.

Where is the Palacio de Sobre-Ribas of Coimbra?

In the old upper town of Coimbra, near the university, in Portugal.