The Municipality of Coimbra is holding a public session to discuss the transformation of Rua da Sofia.

The Coimbra City Council will host the public session “Sofia in Transformation” on June 2nd, an initiative dedicated to reflecting on the future of Rua da Sofia and the city’s downtown area. The meeting takes place within a context of urban transformation marked by strategic projects under development for this area, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the future circulation of the Metrobus.

The session will take place at 7:15 PM in the Library of Colégio da Graça, at the Liga dos Combatentes, on Rua da Sofia, at the initiative of the Mayor of Coimbra, Ana Abrunhosa, and will bring together municipal technical teams, partner entities, merchants, residents, and local institutions.

Participatory reflection on the future of the Baixa (downtown area)

The initiative aims to present intervention scenarios for Rua da Sofia and gather contributions from the community, serving as a starting point for a broader process of participatory reflection on the future of downtown Coimbra.

The session also marks the beginning of a model for close monitoring of a structuring project for the city, the implementation of which will depend on the coordination between the Municipality, institutions, and the local community.

Strategic Projects Under Development

Among the projects currently underway with a direct impact on Rua da Sofia, the Coimbra Cycle Path (UNESCO Section – Riverside – Polo I) stands out. The project was awarded to the company DWN, Lda., under the coordination of architect Miguel Pinheiro.

Also under development is the European LIFE+ project “I-LiBIM – Iberian Cities against Climate Change through Living Labs and BIM Tools”, in which the Technological Center for Ceramics and Glass (CTCV) is a partner. This initiative aims to strengthen the climate resilience of Iberian cities, with a special focus on vulnerable urban areas and built heritage, with Rua da Sofia chosen as the pilot area.

The Coimbra City Council invites all interested parties to participate in this public session for reflection and collective contribution to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable downtown area.