Tucked away between two buildings on your right, the Porta da Barbacã is a precious remnant of Coimbra’s second line of medieval fortifications. During the Islamic period, this was the main city gate. Its role hasn’t changed much over the centuries, since the arch still leads us straight into the old town. If you take a closer look at its façade, you’ll spot the coat of arms of Portugal, and just above it, a sculpture of the Virgin and Child. It’s worth pausing for a moment to step under the archway and look up, not only to admire its inner side, but also to see the Torre Almedina just behind it. Since 1879, this tower has housed a small museum dedicated to the city’s fortified past.