Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Coimbra , Portugal

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Active

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Coimbra was home to a substantial Jewish community between the 900s and 1500s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover its dramatic past in one of Portugal’s most historic cities. You’ll also hear lesser-known stories about its cultural resilience and survival.

The tour starts in Largo da Portagem, the grand square beside the Mondego River. You’ll follow the city’s main pedestrian street towards the old Jewish Quarter, past medieval stone walls and a labyrinth of steep streets where centuries of drama unfolded. You’ll stop outside the house of Aristides de Sousa Mendes where you’ll find out how, despite Aristides’ courage during dark historical moments, he suffered social, political and economic retaliation and ended his life alone and impoverished.

Available options

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

The tour begins in Largo da Portagem, the historical heart of Coimbra.

We'll also pass by Briosa Coimbra, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood. However, entry is not included in this tour.

We'll also pass by the Barbican Gate, with its deep significance to the city.

Passing by the Porta e Torre de Almedina, you'll witness another architectural gem of Coimbra.

We'll also pass by the Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra, with its fascinating collection. However, entry to the Museum itself is not included in this tour.

Passing by the Santa Cruz Church, with its beautiful facade. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.

We'll also pass by the
Judeus de Coimbra Exhibit, with its rich history.

We'll also pass by the Fonte Nova ou dos Judeus, adding to the historic flavour of the neighbourhood.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at Largo da Portagem, Coimbra. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading."

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Coimbra

Coimbra, known as the City of Students, is a historic city in central Portugal with a rich academic tradition. It's home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra, and is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

University of Coimbra

One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and a rich history.

Historical 2-3 hours €12 (general admission)

Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha)

This Romanesque cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Portugal, featuring beautiful architecture and historical artifacts.

Religious 1-2 hours €3 (general admission)

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

A ruined monastery that was once the home of Queen Saint Isabel, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past.

Historical 1-2 hours €4 (general admission)

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

A beautiful and serene garden with a diverse collection of plants, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Nature 1 hour Free (with University of Coimbra ticket)

Portugal dos Pequenitos

A miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of famous Portuguese monuments and buildings, ideal for families and children.

Cultural 1-2 hours €7 (general admission)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cozido à Portuguesa

A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and beans, cooked slowly in a clay pot.

Dinner Contains meat and beans

Bacalhau à Brás

A popular dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Leitão à Bairrada

Roast suckling pig, a specialty of the Bairrada region, served with a crispy skin and tender meat.

Dinner Contains pork

Pastel de Tentúgal

A traditional pastry from the Tentúgal region, filled with sweet cream and topped with cinnamon.

Dessert Contains dairy and sugar

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bussaco Forest Kayaking on the Mondego River Visiting thermal spas in Luso Strolling along the Mondego River Exploring the University of Coimbra Visiting the Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha) Swimming at nearby beaches Visiting the Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival)

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Coimbra for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with students and tourists.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Coimbra is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport • 110 km from Coimbra

By train

Coimbra-B Station, Coimbra A Station

By bus

Coimbra Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Alta Baixa Sé Nova

Day trips

Conímbriga

15 km from Coimbra • Half day

Conímbriga is a well-preserved Roman settlement with impressive mosaics, ruins, and a museum.

Luso and Bussaco Forest

20 km from Coimbra • Full day

Luso is a charming spa town known for its thermal waters, while Bussaco Forest offers beautiful hiking trails and a historic palace.

Aveiro

60 km from Coimbra • Full day

Aveiro is a charming coastal city known as the 'Venice of Portugal' for its canals and colorful moliceiro boats.

Festivals

Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning Festival) • Late May Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival) • December

Pro tips

Visit the University of Coimbra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Try local specialties, such as Cozido à Portuguesa, Bacalhau à Brás, and Pastel de Tentúgal, at iconic eateries like O Sucesso, Zé Manel dos Frangos, and Café Santa Cruz
Explore the city's neighborhoods, such as Alta, Baixa, and Sé Nova, to discover hidden gems, local shops, and cultural sites
Take a day trip to Conímbriga, Luso and Bussaco Forest, or Aveiro to experience the region's history, nature, and unique culture
Attend a Fado performance at the University of Coimbra for a traditional Portuguese music experience