The name of the square has a historical context. Portagem is the Portuguese word for tolls. This square was the where goods coming in from the south of the city were taxed. It has a few highlights worth noting. It lies in the sight of Mondego River and the Santa Clara bridge. Architecturally, check out the 1926 Astoria Hotel and the Bank of Portugal Building. The statue in the square was sculpted by Costa Mota, and is of Joaquim António de Aguiar, an early 19th century prime minister of Portugal. The nearby Ferreira Borges street has some interesting traditional shops. Altogether, it’s a nice place to people-watch. Sometimes the nearby cafes and pastry shops spread tables and chairs out into the street. At night, the square is well lit.

• Trains R and U stop Coimbra.
• Walk or drive to here.

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