Attractions and Places To See around Antanhol - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Antanhol include historical sites and natural features within the Coimbra region of Portugal. Antanhol, a former civil parish, provides access to ancient Roman history through its local archaeological site, the City of the Moors. Its location near Coimbra allows for exploration of significant cultural and natural heritage, including a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best attractions and places to see around Antanhol
- The most popular attractions is Paço das Escolas (Palace of the Schools), University of Coimbra, a historical site that features an 18th-century clock tower and a two-story cloister. This site is located at the highest point of the city and is a symbol of Coimbra.
- Another must-see spot is Church of Santa Cruz (Igreja de Santa Cruz), Coimbra, a religious building. This 12th-century monastery church was rebuilt in the Manueline style in the 16th century and houses the grave monuments of Portugal's first two kings.
- Visitors also love Coimbra Old Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque church. Construction of this fortress-like building began in the first years of Afonso Henriques' reign, with its completion around the 1170s.
- Antanhol is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient Roman camps to university landmarks and cathedrals.
- The attractions around Antanhol are appreciated by the komoot community, with 128 upvotes and 197 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Paço das Escolas (Palace of the Schools), University of Coimbra
Highlight • Historical Site
On the west side of the square is the university church, which combines different styles. It was built in the place of a medieval prayer room from 1517. The Manueline windows and the braided archway in front of the choir also date from this period. The wood-carved altar with column-framed paintings is one of the purest works of Portuguese Mannerism. Classical elements of the Renaissance were combined to form an aedicule. The altar was created in 1612/13 in collaboration with various Portuguese artists. The ceiling, painted with floral motifs, dates from the 17th century, the organ from 1733. The side portal of the church was built in the Manueline style in 1517-21. It shows two symbols that are often found in Portugal, namely the Christ Knight's Cross and the so-called armillary sphere as a sign of Portugal's great affinity with seafaring.
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Church of Santa Cruz (Igreja de Santa Cruz), Coimbra
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Coimbra Old Cathedral
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Portagem Square
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Church of Saint John of Almedina
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The church was rebuilt between 1684 and 1704 when it took on its current appearance. Like the rest of the episcopal palace, it was ceded to the community of Coimbra in 1912 and thus became part of the Machado de Castro National Museum, which has housed a department of church art since 1923.
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Tips from the Community
Who is Andreas? What does Andreas want?
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This is the old cathedral of Coimbra. The cathedral is a massive, compact fortress building with a crenellated parapet and Romanesque portal and window arches on the west façade. It was built in the 12th century on the foundations of a 6th/7th-century church. Inside, the baptismal font (supported by lions and monsters, 16th century), the Gothic high altar (wonderfully crafted), Renaissance tombs, and a quiet cloister (south side of the cathedral, 13th century) are worth seeing.
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An absolute must: book tickets in advance. You can visit several buildings, and all of them are worthwhile. You'll need a time slot, especially for the Baroque library.
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This square owes its name to the fact that taxes were formerly levied on goods arriving in the city from the south. This square houses one of Coimbra's architectural symbols: the Hotel Astória, built in 1926, and the Bank of Portugal Building, both by Adães Bermudes. It also houses the statue of Joaquim António de Aguiar by sculptor Costa Mota (uncle). Connected to Largo da Portagem is the main street in downtown Coimbra, Rua Ferreira Borges, a street currently closed to traffic and home to several traditional shops.
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The Monastery of the Holy Cross (Monasterio della Santa Croce) is a historic and religious Catholic site located in Florence, Italy. Founded in 1294, it is one of the most important Franciscan monasteries in the city. Features: Architecture and Art 1. Italian Gothic style. 2. Simple but imposing façade. 3. Interior: chapels decorated with frescoes by Giotto and other artists. 4. Novitiate Cloister. 5. Monastery Museum. Historical Importance 1. Burial place of personalities such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Dante Alighieri. 2. Center for theological and philosophical studies. 3. Important role in the Catholic Reformation. Practical Information 1. Address: Piazza Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI. 2. Opening hours: 9:30am-5:30pm (Monday to Sunday). 3. Entrance fee: around 8 euros.
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Very nice place surrounded by great buildings 🤩
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Very beautiful monastery church. Be sure to see it from the inside!
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Very beautiful monastery church. Be sure to see it from the inside!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore directly in Antanhol?
Antanhol is home to the ancient Roman military camp known as the City of the Moors or Antanhol Forest City. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, you can explore its distinctive earthen walls and double moat, offering insight into Roman military engineering and panoramic views.
What cultural highlights does the University of Coimbra offer beyond its main buildings?
The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features several notable cultural highlights. Don't miss the exquisite Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina), an 18th-century Baroque library famous for its opulent design and resident bats. You can also visit the ornate Capela de São Miguel and the iconic University Tower (Torre da Universidade).
Are there other significant historical museums or monasteries near Antanhol?
Yes, Coimbra, close to Antanhol, offers several significant historical sites. The Machado de Castro National Museum, housed in a former bishop's palace, is one of Portugal's most important museums, featuring sculptures and Roman-era cryptoporticus. You can also visit the Monastery of Santa Cruz, which holds the tombs of Portugal's first two kings, and the ruins of the 14th-century Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, along with its 17th-century replacement, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova.
What natural attractions are there to visit near Antanhol and Coimbra?
Near Antanhol, you can explore several natural attractions. The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (Jardim Botánico) is considered one of the oldest in the world. Other green spaces include the Sereia Garden (Jardim da Sereia) and Quinta das Lágrimas. The Mondego River, which flows through Coimbra, offers riverside parks and bathing areas like the river beaches of Palheiros do Zorro.
Are there opportunities for hiking around Antanhol?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities around Antanhol, particularly in the wider Coimbra region. You can find routes like the easy 6.33 km 'Coimbra Old Cathedral – Saint Sebastian Aqueduct loop' or the 7.15 km 'Portagem Square – Pedro and Inês Footbridge loop'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Antanhol guide.
Can I find cycling routes near Antanhol?
Absolutely. The area around Antanhol and Coimbra offers various cycling routes. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Rio Mondego – Mata Nacional do Choupal loop' (49.8 km, moderate) or the 'Aqueduto Alves Macamboa loop' (23.1 km, moderate). Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Montemor-o-Velho Castle – Coimbra Riverside Walk loop' (70.2 km, moderate). Discover more in the MTB Trails around Antanhol and Road Cycling Routes around Antanhol guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Antanhol and Coimbra area?
Many attractions in the Coimbra area are suitable for families. The University of Coimbra, including its historical square and gardens, can be engaging. The Botanical Garden offers a pleasant outdoor experience. Additionally, the riverside parks along the Mondego River provide space for relaxation and play. The Paço das Escolas (Palace of the Schools) and Church of Santa Cruz are also listed as family-friendly highlights.
What are the best Roman ruins to visit near Antanhol?
For an extensive Roman experience, head to the Conimbriga Roman Ruins, located about 25 minutes from Coimbra. These are Portugal's largest Roman site and feature some of Europe's best-preserved mosaics, pond-gardens, and fountains, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Antanhol?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical and architectural heritage. Highlights like the Paço das Escolas (Palace of the Schools) at the University of Coimbra are praised for their magnificent views and historical significance. The Church of Santa Cruz is highly recommended for its beautiful interior, and the Coimbra Old Cathedral is admired for its impressive Romanesque architecture and fortress-like appearance.
Is there a central square or meeting point in Coimbra that is easily accessible?
Yes, Portagem Square is considered the main square and center of Coimbra, located next to the Ponte de Santa Clara and the Mondego River. It's known for its surrounding historic buildings and is wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient meeting point and starting location for exploring the city center.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known historical sites worth visiting?
While not exactly 'hidden,' the Church of Saint John of Almedina is a beautiful historical site that might be less prominent than the main cathedral. Documented as early as 1083, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and is now part of the Machado de Castro National Museum, offering a glimpse into Coimbra's ecclesiastical art and history.
Most popular attractions around Antanhol
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