Hidden gems in Coimbra

Coimbra’s lesser-known sites include the 18th-century Botanical Garden and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, which houses the silver tomb of Queen Saint Isabel. The National Museum Machado de Castro sits atop an ancient Roman cryptoporticus, while the Science Museum displays historical scientific collections. Architectural highlights include the 16th-century Manueline-style Capela de São Miguel with its ornate Baroque organ and the Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto, a neoclassical residence showcasing Portuguese furniture, porcelain, and 18th-century art collections.