Upper Coimbra

The Alta of Coimbra

The Alta is the upper town of Coimbra, the district of the wealthy classes, the intellectuals and the university, perched on its hill. The Coimbra audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this second face of the town, with a network of alleys inherited from the Arabs.

The upper town, district of the intellectuals

Perched in a favourable position at one hundred and sixty metres of altitude, the Alta is the second face of Coimbra, its upper town. It is in this elevated part that the wealthiest classes, the intellectuals and the members of the clergy once concentrated, as opposed to the lower town, the Baixa, more working-class. In addition to the conditions of natural defence that it offered, the zone constituted for a long time a compulsory passage point between the north and the south of Portugal. The network of its narrow and winding alleys testifies to the heritage left by the Arabs, who occupied Coimbra between the Roman presence and the arrival of the first kings of the country. It is also in the Alta that radiates the famous university of Coimbra, one of the oldest of Europe, which gives the district its student and scholarly soul. Historic and intellectual heart of the town, the Alta of Coimbra is a must-see stop.

What to see

Here you wander in the upper town perched at one hundred and sixty metres, a former district of the wealthy classes, the intellectuals and the clergy, with a network of narrow and winding alleys inherited from the Arabs, a passage point between the north and the south of Portugal, where the famous university of Coimbra radiates, one of the oldest of Europe. The Alta is the historic and scholarly heart of Coimbra. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Alta lies in the upper town of Coimbra, on the hill that dominates the town, reachable on foot by climbs and staircases. It is a public district freely accessible; the university and the monuments it shelters follow their own conditions of visit. The climb is rewarded by fine views over the town.

What is the Alta of Coimbra?

The upper town of Coimbra, perched at one hundred and sixty metres, a former district of the wealthy classes, the intellectuals and the clergy, with a network of alleys inherited from the Arabs, where the famous university radiates, one of the oldest of Europe.

Where is the Alta of Coimbra?

In the upper town of Coimbra, on the hill that dominates the town, in Portugal.