Friday 25 July 2014

THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #7 - PRAÇA OITO DE MAIO, COIMBRA


According to the website sightsmap.com, Portugal is one of the most photographed areas of the world.
We wondered if some of the photos are yours?

An historical location that blends beautifully with the rest of the city of Coimbra. Quite popular back in the days, it was given order, between 1392 and 1414, that this town square was to be enlarged and aligned, so that it could be the location of the Horse Parties, were ancient Portuguese games executed by horse were played. It also was the first public theatre of Coimbra, funded in 1835. And, up until 1838, it used to have a fountain with a statue of Samson in it, that was demolished because it got to a advance stage of degradation. In the same year, a new fountain  was build.

In 1834, the liberal forces of Duke of Terceira entered in Coimbra and marched over the town square. Years later, in 1874, along with the commemorations of the anniversary of that date, the place was officially renamed Praça Oito de Maio.

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