Torre de Anto

The Torre de Anto, in Coimbra

The Torre de Anto is a former tower of the medieval wall of Coimbra, become a residence of poets. The Coimbra audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this squat and old monument, which owes its name to the illustrious poet António Nobre.

The tower of the fortifications become a residence of poets

With its appearance both squat and old, the Torre de Anto was initially among the highest points of the medieval wall of Coimbra, playing a role in the defence of the town. Under the reign of Manuel I, at the end of the fifteenth century, the four-storey tower lost its defensive function and was transformed into a dwelling. This radical change allowed it to welcome famous residents of the country. First of all, the illustrious Portuguese poet António Nobre, who lived there during part of his studies and who inspired the new name given to the monument. Other figures of letters stayed there later, making the tower a place linked to Portuguese poetry and culture. Today, the Torre de Anto, nestled in the alleys of the old town, shelters cultural activities. A witness of the medieval fortifications and a residence of poets, the Torre de Anto is an endearing stop of Coimbra.

What to see

You admire the squat and old tower, once one of the highest points of the medieval wall of Coimbra, transformed into a dwelling under Manuel I and become a residence of poets, including the illustrious António Nobre who gave it its name, nestled in the alleys of the old town and dedicated today to culture. The Torre de Anto is an endearing stop of Coimbra. It is a stop to be discovered, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Torre de Anto lies in the alleys of the old upper town of Coimbra, reachable on foot by climbs. You admire its exterior freely; the cultural activities it shelters follow their own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

Why is the Torre de Anto of Coimbra called this?

It owes its name to the illustrious Portuguese poet António Nobre, who lived there during part of his studies; a former tower of the medieval wall, it lost its defensive function under Manuel I and became a residence of poets.

Where is the Torre de Anto of Coimbra?

In the alleys of the old upper town of Coimbra, in Portugal.