Right in front of the Santa Cruz Church and the Town Hall is one of the most important squares in the city of Coimbra. It’s named after the 8th of May because that’s the day that the liberating troops of the Duke of Terceira entered the city during the Portuguese Civil War. In the center of the square rises a monument statue to Manuel Fernandes Tomás, an early 19th century judge, and an important figure in the rise of liberalism in Portugal. Surrounded by lovely architecture, with five streets running through it, filled with passers-by and tourists, supplied by cafes and restaurants, and with benches to relax on, this square is one of the best places in the city to start your tours.

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

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