Fado’s Unique Traditions: A Guide to Song and Guitar in Coimbra

Fado is one of Portugal’s most emblematic musical styles. On this stroll around the medieval perimeter of Coimbra you’ll discover that, for many people, the city’s music, rituals, and intangible heritage are even more important than its monuments and iconic buildings.

The tour begins at Largo da Portagem, a square in downtown Coimbra. From there, you’ll explore the most iconic sights within the historical area, while you listen to the sweet sounds of Fado music. I’ll tell you about this musical genre and the differences between Coimbra and Lisbon’s variations. I’ll point out the houses where poets, musicians and artists have lived, and tell you about the influence of their work on Portuguese society and culture.

In Coimbra’s historical heart, you’ll see the breathtaking landscape that has inspired countless poets and musicians to create the city’s Fado music. The tour ends in a UNESCO-protected street at Museu da Música de Coimbra (Mus.Mus), a Cultural Association where you can go for a drink and see a live show.

On this Coimbra tour, you’ll have the chance to:

• Learn about the two types of Fado in Portugal
• Hike up Rua do Corpo de Deus, one of the steepest streets in the historical center
• Hear how university students and alumni founded the cultural centre at Fado ao Centro to promote local talent
• Admire part of the original city walls at Torre de Anto which now houses Núcleo da Guitarra e do Fado de Coimbra (Museum of the Guitar and Fado of Coimbra)
• Take in the oldest café in town, Café Santa Cruz, named after the Church of Santa Cruz, where Fado performances are still held daily
• Visit Diligência Bar, one of the oldest Fado Houses in Coimbra, and see the spectacular carved Ançã stone, recently classified by UNESCO as a world heritage stone
• Stand outside the impressive Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra and learn the difference between Street Serenades and Monumental Serenades

By the end of this tour, you’ll know everything about the most important venues that offer live Fado shows. I highly recommend enjoying one of their shows – you'll have the time of your life!

The songs playing during the tour are from the group FADO D’ANTO, who kindly made them available for you to enjoy on this tour. You can (and should!) support them by following their work