Largo das Ameias mural with QR Code explaining the legend of the “Battle of the Snake”

The new mural by artist Mário Belém, created on the façade located at the intersection of Avenida Fernão de Magalhães with Rua da Sota and Rua Adelino Veiga, in Largo das Ameias, has had a QR Code since yesterday, July 16, so that visitors can find out a little more about the legend that inspired its creation, the “Battle of the Snake”, which tells the story of the city’s foundation. The work, commissioned by Coimbra City Council, was supported by several local businesses and aims to contribute to the revival of the city’s downtown area.

The mural, installed in Largo das Ameias, is 13 meters wide by 7.5 meters high, and is by the artist Mário Belém. The creation is inspired by the legend of the “Battle of Cobra”, of uncertain origin and with several versions, which tells the story of a knight in love with a princess, who faces a threatening snake called Coluber. By defeating the monster, the knight wins the right to marry the princess, and on the site of the battle the town of Columber Briga is born, which would later give rise to Coimbra.

The work shows a knight leading his horse, on which lies the body of the giant snake that has just been slain in battle. It is implied that the knight is making the journey back to his beloved’s castle to ask for her hand in marriage. From the tip of the snake, a flourish is born (alluding to the flourishes of illuminated manuscripts) that symbolizes the explosion of color and life inherent in the founding of Coimbra as a city.

The characters move along the bank of the river Mondego and, in the background, on the opposite bank, we can see the silhouette of modern-day Coimbra. The sky is sunset, representing the beautiful day that is to come tomorrow. The rider is dressed in knitwear and a vest, but is wearing contemporary shorts and sneakers. On the horse we can see some objects, a medieval tournament lance, a sword, a kettle, a lantern (to light his way) and an old telephone (which reinforces the concept of a story that is passed down by word of mouth, to the point that we no longer even know its origin).

As of yesterday, the mural now has a QR Code that allows those interested to find out more about the legend of the “Battle of the Snake”.

This intervention, which is part of the revitalization of the Baixa, adds to other works of urban art that aim to enhance Coimbra’s identity and memory, reinforcing its cultural and tourist positioning. The project received a favorable opinion from the Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission, as it is located in the Special Protection Zone of the University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photographic credits: Coimbra City Council | Tiago Costa

Mural at Largo das Ameias with QR Code explaining the legend of the “Battle of the Snake” – coimbra.pt