Management Plan for UNESCO World Heritage Site Presented at the University of Coimbra
The plan was officially unveiled in the UC Senate Hall on 17 June.
The Management Plan for the “University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia” World Heritage Site was presented on 17 June in the Senate Hall of the University of Coimbra (UC).
Alfredo Dias, the UC Vice-Rector for Heritage, Built Environment and Tourism, explained that the plan aims to serve as a practical tool for the future management of the site and was developed with contributions from various institutions and experts. Francisco Veiga, President of Associação RUAS, highlighted the strong commitment of the partners — the Municipality of Coimbra and the UC — to the Site’s management.
The scientific coordinator, Professor Luísa Trindade, noted that the plan is based on ten years of analysis and prioritises the revitalisation of Rua da Sofia and improved mobility in the 'Alta' (Upper Town) area. The document is structured around 10 objectives, 20 strategies and 112 actions to revitalise both "Alta and Sofia, with a particular focus placed on the intervention at the "Paço das Escolas".
UC Rector Amílcar Falcão announced the forthcoming refurbishment of the College of the Arts (Colégio das Artes) and the Rectory Auditorium, emphasising that this will be a lengthy process.
Emeritus Rector Fernando Seabra stressed that the UC is one of only five universities recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The presentation was part of the Sons da Cidade (Sounds of the City) programme, an event celebrating the anniversary of the site’s inscription on the World Heritage List.
