2024 Annual Conference – Venue

The 2024 MIT Portugal Annual Conference will take place at Quinta das Lágrimas, in Coimbra.

About Quinta das Lágrimas

For centuries it was a private family sanctuary where kings and emperors passed through. Quinta das Lágrimas has been restored as a hotel and is open to anyone who appreciates the art of living well and wants to discover the love legend of Pedro and Inês.

As you wander through its gardens, you can visit the famous “Fountain of Tears” and “Fountain of Loves”, related to the emblematic story of Pedro and Inês, and the “Camões Hill” Amphitheatre.

On the day of the conference, please go to the “SPA and Events” area.

See more about the venue here

[source: Quinta das Lágrimas]

About Coimbra

Coimbra, located on the banks of the Mondego River, is renowned for its historic University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. The university, founded in the 13th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Sofia Street and the upper city. Visitors can explore its famous landmarks like the Pátio das Escolas courtyard, the Joanine Library, and the tower offering panoramic views of Coimbra.

The city is rich in Romanesque art and history, with monuments like the Monastery of Santa Cruz, housing the tomb of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha. The Sé Velha hosts the iconic serenade of students singing the Coimbra Fado, part of the annual Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons) celebration.

Coimbra’s cultural life is vibrant throughout the year, with its historic cafés, student residences, and the Machado de Castro National Museum. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful gardens like Choupal and Quinta das Lágrimas, and families will love Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature park of Portuguese monuments. Modern attractions include the Pedro and Ines Footbridge and boat trips on the Mondego River.

Other landmarks in the city are the Sé Nova, the Santa Clara-a-Nova Convent, the Seminário Maior, and the Misericórdia Church and Museum. 17km from Coimbra, we have Conímbriga, an important center during the Roman Empire and the Conímbriga Monographic Museum, where many of the artifacts found in archaeological excavations are on display.

In terms of gastronomy, anyone visiting Coimbra should make a point to stop by the historic cafés in the city center to taste the renowned Santa Clara pastries or Arrufadas.

And as the fado sung by the students says, “Coimbra has more charm in the hour of parting”.

[source: Visit Portugal]

You can find relevant information about the city of Coimbra on the following websites: