A "Cabra" - Bell from the University Tower

The most iconic element of Coimbra's skyline is the University's clock tower, also known as "Cabra" by the locals.

It is located on the highest point of the city and right in the middle of the main campus of the University. Therefore, it is very important to the city.

Tradition and history

Its importance traces back to many centuries ago, when there was no celphones or even watches to show us the time. Cabra used to be the only thing that guided the people from Coimbra.

Specially for the students, since the clock tower is part of the university and the whole life in Coimbra revolves around it, Cabra used to follow them through their routine, and its bells would ring every 15 minutes, and also many times on full hours, to remind them the times of classes.

The cabra bells would mix with other clocks in town - on the many churches that exist in Coimbra - when full hours were completed, so they used to be the loudest and most exact. But, to avoid delays related to the clocks, classes used to start 15 minutes after their actual hour, and the only Cabra would announce the real beggining of study hours.

It used to be played by a person whose duty was called cabra (where the name comes from), who was the most important worker in the university.

Nowadays the clock tower still show the time and the bells ring every quarter of hour, even though with celphones it is not so necessary anymore. Also, the classes still begin a little before than scheduled, to keep up with the tradition.

Visits

It is possible to visit the Cabra and climb to its top nowadays. You will have to purchase tickets (only 1 euro if you have visited other academic attractions in town) and to climb many narrow stairs, but it will be worth it.

Besides being in such a traditional place, the view from up there is amazing. You can see the whole city and admire a 360º perspective of it.

You will be in the highest point in town, so you can see everything from the top: the Mondego river, the university, the houses and churches... Really beautiful.

I reccomend visiting it during the end of the afternood and see the sunset from there.

During windy days and on the winter, the cabra is closed for visitations because it can be dangerous. On sunny and summer days, it is a must see in town.