Coimbra - Mosteiro de Santa Cruz

A Roman settlement, named "Aeminium" existed here. When the neighbouring town "Conimbriga" got conquered and destroyed by the Suebes in 468, the survivors moved to "Aeminium" - and renamed it. The Visigoths under King Wittiza named the town "Eminio" later. In 714 the town was conquered by Muslim troops, who changed the name again.

Coimbra was finally recaptured in 1064 by King Fernando de Castilla y León. Coimbra became the second capital of the Kingdom of Portugal (after Guimarãesin) 1139, a status that moved to Lisbon in 1256. The University of Coimbra, founded by Denis of Portugal (aka "Dom Dinis") in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe.

The "Mosteiro de Santa Cruz", founded in 1131 outside the walls of Coimbra, was a convent of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. The first church and monastery were erected in Romanesque style 1132 - 1223. Of this structure nothing remains, as in the first half of the 16th century the "Mosteiro de Santa Cruz" was completely renovated by King Manuel's order. The facade, seen here, was erected in two phases. 1507 - 1513 the two towers were built. The portal was designed by architect João de Castillo and erected 1522 - 1526 by Nicolas de Chantereine.