Things to do in Sé Nova

Activities, attractions and tours

Coimbra showing a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge
Coimbra showing a river or creek, a bridge and night scenes
Coimbra showing a city
Coimbra which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a city
Coimbra showing a river or creek

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Top places to visit

1. Coimbra University

Dating back more than seven centuries, Coimbra University is the historic highlight of the city’s town center. Its 16th-century campus contains some of the most intriguing landmarks in the region, including a tower, a chapel and a palace. Speak with the docents for a comprehensive understanding of the university’s history.
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Coimbra University which includes a sunset and a square or plaza

2. Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina is a historic hilltop library with stunning Baroque touches. Dating back to the 1700s, the library is one of the highlights of Coimbra University’s campus and offers wonderful views of the surrounding Old Town area. Snap photos of this marvelous structure and admire its ornate décor and grandiose features.
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Biblioteca Joanina which includes a sunset

3. Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Dating back as far as the 12th century, the majestic Velha Cathedral is a rare example of a preserved church of Romanesque design from the Reconquista era. Admire the fortress-like design of the cathedral’s façade, with its narrow arched windows and battlements marking the roof.
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Velha Cathedral featuring heritage elements and interior views

4. Santa Cruz Church

Santa Cruz Church is a stunning structure in which Portugal’s first two kings are buried. It comprises a vast monastery with an elaborate façade, a labyrinth of paths and courtyards and a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. Relax in the city’s spacious central plaza and gaze up at the Manueline façade of this momentous church.
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Santa Cruz Church which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

5. Jardim da Manga

Take a moment to relax in the Jardim da Manga, a small garden built around a yellow fountain that is believed to date back to the 16th century. Watch multiple fountains of water spurt upward and take pictures in front of the photogenic structure, which was named a national monument in the 1930s.
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Jardim da Manga which includes heritage elements

6. Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

The Museu Nacional Machado de Castro is a noteworthy art museum in the majestic building of the former Bishop’s Palace. The collection comprises mostly ecclesiastical artifacts and works of art, with a focus on sculptures. Make your way through the various exhibits for a glimpse into Portugal’s history of religious art.
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Coimbra featuring heritage elements and a fountain

What to do in Sé Nova

Popular places to visit

Coimbra University which includes a sunset and a square or plaza

Coimbra University

Enjoy the views from the bell tower and visit the Baroque library in the former prison on the campus of one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Coimbra University
Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos

Embrace your inquisitive side, as you inspect the various homes, pavilions and monuments of this intriguing and fun miniature village.

Portugal dos Pequenitos
Biblioteca Joanina which includes a sunset

Biblioteca Joanina

Go on a guided tour of a library containing countless tomes, Baroque architecture and an intriguing history entwined with a prison.

Biblioteca Joanina
Velha Cathedral featuring heritage elements and interior views

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

One of the main attractions of Coimbra’s central historic area, this fascinating preserved cathedral has a fortress design and Arabic touches.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra
Santa Cruz Church which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

Santa Cruz Church

Examine the range of Manueline and Romanesque architecture and inspect the artworks in the final resting place of two kings.

Santa Cruz Church
Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha featuring a church or cathedral

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

Visit the museum for an explanatory film and explore the remaining parts of this nunnery that was often at risk of flooding.

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
Coimbra which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral

New Cathedral of Coimbra

Learn about the local history of Sé Nova with a stop at New Cathedral of Coimbra. Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

New Cathedral of Coimbra
Jardim da Manga which includes heritage elements

Jardim da Manga

This small garden centers on an old fountain, believed to be one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in Portugal.

Jardim da Manga
Coimbra featuring heritage elements and a fountain

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Appreciate the magnificent architecture of the former Bishop’s Palace, see religious sculptures and delve into an eerie Ancient Roman corridor.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Areas of Sé Nova

Velha Cathedral showing a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

Historic sites, river views, and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Jardim da Manga while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre