The old cathedral of Coimbra was built in the 12th century when the capital of Portugal was in this city. In Romanesque style, this cathedral probably replaced an earlier cathedral of which nothing is known, and was used for the coronation of the king of Portugal. From the time of the Reconquista to now little has been changed with modest additions in the Renaissance style that have not altered the original style. Like the cathedral of Lisbon, this too has a fortress-like appearance perhaps determined by the situation of long-standing belligerence existing in those times. Even the hundreds of sculptured capitals, all without human figures, are a clear consequence of that period in which Christianity and Islam fought but also influenced each other.

We spent maybe 30 minutes in the church. The cloister is like so many others in hundreds of churches throughout Spain and Portugal. A church going back to the time of the re conquest. If walls could talk. Entrance was 2.5€ cash only.

It was recommended by the guide on our free tour. It really deserves a visit. The entrance is cheap and the cloister is beautiful and peaceful. The main altar is a true work of art. We jusst regret that we didn't have a lot of time to visit because we had to leave back to lisbon.