Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Almedina
Situated in the heart of the ancient city of Coimbra, in the historic district of Almedina, the Paço de Sub-Ripas is a striking presence in the urban landscape. Its unique location, on a steep slope and integrated into the city's medieval walls, gives it a particular grandeur. The Arch of Sub-Ripas, an integral part of the complex, elegantly imposes itself over the street, serving as a gateway to one of the most historic and picturesque corners of the city.
From its position, it is possible to appreciate the texture of the narrow and winding streets that characterize this ancient area of Coimbra, a living testament to the city's urban evolution over the centuries.
The history of the Paço de Sub-Ripas dates back to medieval times, originally serving as the residence of one of Coimbra's most important noble families. Over the centuries, the building witnessed countless transformations, reflecting the political and social vicissitudes of the region. Its period of greatest architectural prominence occurred at the beginning of the 16th century, when it was adorned with its most recognizable element: the notable Manueline Arch.
However, from the 16th century onwards, its function drastically changed as it became the seat of the Tribunal do Santo Ofício, the Coimbra Inquisition. This new and somber use profoundly marked the history of the palace until its extinction in the 19th century, bequeathing it an aura of mystery and an indelible role in the city's collective memory.
The most fascinating and distinctive element of the Paço de Sub-Ripas is, without a doubt, its magnificent Manueline arch, dating from the early 16th century. Attributed to Nicolau de Chanterene, this portal is a masterpiece of late Gothic and Portuguese Renaissance architecture, characterized by its decorative exuberance.
The arch displays rich ornamentation typical of the Manueline style, with intertwined vegetal elements, nautical symbols, the armillary sphere, and the Cross of Christ, which evoke the Age of Discoveries. Although the rest of the building has undergone significant alterations over time, the arch remains a remarkable example of the architecture of the period, inviting a careful observation of its details and symbolisms.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paço_de_Sobre-Ribas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.20947761416847,-8.428347925245617
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'34.1"N 08°25'42.1"W
Weather Coimbra
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