Contacts and Information

Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra
Rua Observatório s/n,
3040-004 Coimbra

General: +351 239 410 060
Visits and Activities: +351 239 410 061

How to get there...

The Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra is located in Santa Clara – Coimbra (Almas de Freire area), on the left bank of the Mondego River.

By car:

  • Coming via A1 motorway (from the North or South): Take exit "Coimbra-Sul" (exit 12). Right after the toll, turn right onto the N341 expressway (direction “Coimbra”). After approximately 4 km, at the roundabout, take the IC2/N1 towards “Lisboa” (do not follow the direction for Coimbra Norte or Centro). After 2 km, take the exit for "Santa Clara", and at the roundabout, take the third exit (direction “Santa Clara”). At the next roundabout, go straight towards “Santa Clara / Mesura”. After about 700 meters, the entrance to the Observatory will be on your left.
  • Coming via IC2/N1 (direction Porto/North): Around km 186, exit the IC2/N1 toward “Santa Clara” (do not follow the Coimbra Norte or Centro directions). At the roundabout, take the first exit (direction “Santa Clara”). At the next roundabout, continue straight toward “Santa Clara / Mesura”. After about 700 meters, the entrance to the Observatory will be on your left.
  • Coming via IC2/N1 (direction Lisbon/South): Do not follow the signs to Coimbra Centro or Este. Exit only at around km 190, heading toward “Santa Clara / Zona Comercial”. Keep left at the fork, then at the roundabout take the first exit (direction “Santa Clara”). At the next roundabout, go straight toward “Santa Clara”, and then at the following roundabout go straight again toward “Almas de Freire / Santa Clara (convento)”. After a few meters, go straight through the junction until the next roundabout, where you take the second exit toward “Almas de Freire”. After about 500 meters, at the roundabout, take the first exit toward “Observatório / IP3 Viseu / Covões”. After 230 meters, the entrance to the Observatory will be on your right.
  • Coming from Coimbra city center (Baixa): Cross the Santa Clara Bridge and at the roundabout, go straight (first exit) toward “Hospitais / Santa Clara”. At the next roundabout, take the second exit toward “Convento São Francisco / Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova”. After 700 meters, at the roundabout, take the first exit to “Santa Clara (convento)”. After 600 meters, at the roundabout, take the second exit toward “Observatório / IP3 Viseu / Covões”. After 230 meters, the entrance to the Observatory will be on your right.

By train:

  • Using Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, or Regional services of CP – Comboios de Portugal, disembark at Coimbra-B station. From there, take the shuttle bus “Transfer Coimbra-B – Coimbra (city center)”. Timetables and information: transbordo MM.
    Once at the final stop, you can take an SMTUC bus, taxi, or a ride-share service (Uber, Bolt, etc.) to reach the Observatory.

By Bus (Public Transport):

  • The public bus network is operated by SMTUC. You can check schedules and further information [here]. The following lines serve the Observatory:

Stop: Almas de Freire (downhill direction) (+ 3-minute walk)
Lines: 6, 6F, 13, 13T, 14T, 47F, 48, 48T

Stop: Almas de Freire (uphill direction) (+ 3-minute walk)
Lines: 6, 6F, 14, 20, 20T, 22F, 41, 47F, 48, 48T

Stop: Rotunda do Lagar (+ 5-minute walk)
Lines: 14, 22F, 38, 38F, 41, 47F, 48, 48T

  • If you're arriving via Rede Expressos or Flixbus, which both have terminals in Coimbra, you can use SMTUC buses, taxi, or ride-share services (Uber, Bolt, etc.) to reach the Observatory.

On Foot:

  • There are several walking routes to reach the Observatory — some even pass by important cultural and historical landmarks in the city. However, please note that the Observatory is located at the top of a hill, so the walk may be physically demanding.