Coimbra (1970 est. pop., 56,000) is the capital of Coimbra
district and of Beira Litoral province in west-central
Portugal. Located on the Mondego River, about 224 km (139 mi)
northeast of Lisbon, Coimbra has a mild climate, with
temperatures averaging 4 deg C (40 deg F) in January and 21 deg
C (70 deg F) in July. Rainfall is about 890 mm (35 in)
annually. Coimbra is a distribution center for the surrounding
agricultural region, and industries include ceramics, textiles,
wine, and beer. The University of Coimbra is !PORTUGAL!Portugal~'s oldest
university; it was founded in Lisbon in 1290 and permanently
moved to Coimbra in 1537. Other historical landmarks include
the cathedral (1170) and the 12th-century churches of Sao
Salvador and Santa Cruz. Called Aeminium by the Romans, Coimbra
was a Moorish stronghold in the 8th and 9th centuries. After
Ferdinand I of Castile captured the area in 1064, Coimbra
served as a headquarters for the reconquest of !PORTUGAL!Portugal~ from
the Moors. It later served (1139-1260) as the capital of
!PORTUGAL!Portugal~.