Escadas do Quebra Costas

During the middle age, cities used to be built on difficult places to access, such as cliffs or next to rivers hard to cross. Coimbra was built on top of a mountain, and, in the highest point, you can find the most important part of the city, with the university, old royal palace, and more.

To get to this part of the city, though, you have to climb the mountain. Therefore, there are many stairways to guide you to the top. One of the most important stairways is Escada do Quebra Costas.

History

This stairway exists since the very beginning of the city of Coimbra. It was built in the 8th century to get from the downtown to the uptown and the old castle.

Quebra Costas connects the Almedina Arch and Tower, which used to be the entrance to the walled city, to the Sé Velha (old cathedral) square, halfway to the top of the mountain. It is a very long and narrow stairway, and as its name already said, it can break your back. (Quebra Costas in Portuguese means Back Breaker)

People with disabilities, or with knee problems, may not be able to climb the dozens of steps of these stairs. But if you think you can make it, do it! Because it is a very nice experience.

What to see there

Besides the stairs and steps, Quebra Costas has many souvenir shops, fado houses, and tascas, typical Portuguese restaurants, on its way.

It is a very touristic path because it connects two major attractions in town. But it is also frequented by students who live in the downtown and need to go all the way up every day for classes. During the school year, you may see many Coimbra students wearing their traditional capes and gowns there.

If you're in Coimbra, I advise you to climb the Quebra Costas stairway - besides helping you exercise, it is a historic and very beautiful place in the city.