Coimbra - Machado de Castro National Museum

A Roman settlement, named "Aeminium" existed here. When the neighbouring town "Conimbriga" got conquered and destroyed by the Suebes in 468, the survivors moved to "Aeminium" - and renamed it. The Visigoths under King Wittiza named the town "Eminio" later. In 714 the town was conquered by Muslim troops, who changed the name again.

Coimbra was finally recaptured in 1064 by King Fernando de Castilla y León. Coimbra became the second capital of the Kingdom of Portugal (after Guimarãesin) 1139, a status that moved to Lisbon in 1256. The University of Coimbra, founded by Denis of Portugal (aka "Dom Dinis") in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe.

Coimbra hosts the "Machado de Castro National Museum", named after Machado de Castro, a Portuguese sculptor of the late 18th century. It has a wide, very interesting collection. Here are some examples.

This capital depicts a typical Romanesque theme – the mermaid holding a fish. Inspired by bestiaries (of Oriental origin), this motif may symbolize the protective aspect of the sea, though many scholars see the mermaid as a symbol for lust and temptation.


www.museumachadocastro.gov.pt/en-GB/2%20museu/ContentList...