Coimbra Medieval Fair starts tomorrow afternoon at Largo da Sé Velha

It’s already tomorrow, July 18, that the oldest medieval historical recreation in the country begins in the historic center of Coimbra. The 30th edition of the Medieval Fair, dedicated to the theme “The Reign of the Almost Perfect Couple: Dom Dinis and Santa Isabel”, will run until Sunday in Largo da Sé Velha, with extensions to Quebra-Costas, Pátio do Castilho, Arco de Almedina and the Machado de Castro National Museum (MNMC). An initiative promoted by Coimbra City Council, it recreates the atmosphere of medieval times through parades, tournaments, theatrical performances, themed workshops, gastronomy, music and traditional crafts markets.

The 30th edition of the Coimbra Medieval Fair marks three anniversaries linked to the figure of Queen Saint Isabel: the 700th anniversary of her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the 700th anniversary of the death of King Dinis and the 400th anniversary of the canonization of the patron saint of Coimbra. The event kicks off tomorrow, Friday, July 18, at 6pm, with the opening of the market and the staging of the arrival of King Dinis and Queen Isabel at Coimbra Castle, performed by Companhia Almanach. The opening night includes the traditional Medieval Supper, in the Cloisters of the Old Cathedral, with a seasonal menu prepared by the Social Action Services of the University of Coimbra (SASUC), under the coordination of Mauro Rodrigues.

The Supper, which is already sold out, is enlivened by historical re-enactments, such as the welcoming of pilgrims from Santiago de Compostela (9pm), the fire theater “The Miracle of the Roses” (11pm) and, at midnight, the round of the aguzis. The municipality recommends wearing medieval costume, which can be picked up free of charge at the Old Cathedral on the same day, between 10am and 12pm, and returned after supper. For more information, contact 239 857 507 (Culture Division).

The program for Saturday, July 19, includes a solemn mass at 11 a.m., royal processions with a reading of the Charter of the Order of Christ, a horse-drawn weapons tournament, a fire theater, children’s activities, themed workshops, street entertainment and a medieval concert at the Machado de Castro National Museum, followed by a talk on the figure of King Dinis, the “Troubadour King”. There will also be minstrel shows, dances, acrobatics and a display of musical instruments.

On Sunday, July 20, the activities begin with educational workshops at the MNMC and the opening of the market at 12:00. The afternoon will be marked by dances and merrymaking, a royal procession, the reading of the terms of the Treaty of Alcanizes, theater, parades and, at the end of the day, the symbolic handing over of the Foral for the 30th anniversary of the Coimbra Medieval Fair, culminating in the blessing of the visitors at 22h00.

Patrimony and partnerships

 The Medieval Fair takes place in a unique setting: the Alta de Coimbra, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Cathedral as a backdrop, which lends authenticity and historical accuracy to the recreation.

The organization highlights the involvement of local associations, with eight associations responsible for running the taverns and around 40 merchants and craftsmen bringing the medieval market to life.

At the same time, local restaurants are joining in with the event, with medieval gastronomic suggestions at the “Fangas Maior”, “Piano Negro” and “Gelataria Così” restaurants, located in the vicinity of the venue.

Traffic restrictions

The event involves traffic and parking restrictions from 7pm today, July 17, until midnight on Sunday, July 20, on the following streets: Largo da Sé Velha, Rua dos Coutinhos, Rua da Ilha, Rua Guilherme Moreira, Rua do Cabido, Rua Joaquim António de Aguiar, Rua Fernandes Tomás, Arco de Almedina, Rua Borges Carneiro, Rua do Norte and Largo José Rodrigues. The usual timetable for loading and unloading is maintained.

The SMTUC Blue Line will continue to operate, with an alternative route from Manutenção, following Av. Sá da Bandeira, Rua Padre António Vieira, Rua São João, Rua São Pedro and Couraça de Lisboa, resuming the normal route from Couraça da Estrela.

Coimbra Medieval Fair starts tomorrow afternoon at Largo da Sé Velha – coimbra.pt