‘Sons da Cidade’ 2025 evokes ‘Verses of Time, Voices of Heritage’ through multidisciplinary programme
Running from 16 to 22 June, one of the event’s highlights will be the concert commemorating the 735th anniversary of the University of Coimbra and the 700th anniversary of the death of D. Dinis, featuring fado singer Mariza.
Sons da Cidade [Sounds of the City], the annual cultural event organised by the RUAS Association to celebrate the inscription of ‘University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List, returns for another edition, focusing on reflection and artistic intervention.
This year’s theme, “Verses of Time, Voices of Heritage”, shapes a multidisciplinary programme running from 16 to 22 June, which includes a musical performance by fado singer Mariza.
Marking the 12th anniversary of the UNESCO classification, “Sons da Cidade” 2025 invites audiences to engage with heritage through concerts, project presentations, and guided tours, revisiting cultural landmarks and spaces across the city.
The programme kicks off on Monday, 16 June, with architect Gonçalo Byrne presenting the preliminary study for the refurbishment of the Associação Académica de Coimbra complex (2:30 pm, Hybrid Auditorium, Student Hub).
On Tuesday, 17 June, the management plan for the 'University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia' heritage site will be presented at 11:00 in the Senate Room.
As part of the Estaleiro Aberto activity on Saturday, 21 June, there will be two guided visits to the ongoing works at the Gerais building (10:00 and 11:00 am, meeting point: Pátio das Escolas). Places are limited to 15 per visit and require prior registration via ruas@uc.pt.
That same evening, a major highlight of the week will take place: a commemorative concert in the Pátio das Escolas at 9:00 pm, marking both the University’s 735th anniversary and the 700th anniversary of King Dinis’s death.
Admission is free. The performance will feature The Wandering Bard (TWB Ensemble), fado singer Mariza, and a dance interlude under the artistic direction of Margarida Belo Costa.
Tickets may be collected as of 16 June at the UC Tourist Office and Convento São Francisco (limit: two per person).
On Sunday, 22 June — the 12th anniversary of the UNESCO listing — the programme concludes with a guided tour of the Rua da Sofia colleges (11:00 am), a concert by musicians from the Orquestra Clássica do Centro (6:30 pm, Rua da Sofia Bridge Building), and the premiere of the documentary Salatinas: Memories of Old Alta de Coimbra (9:15 pm, Largo da Porta Férrea).
Meeting points and registration details apply.