Paço de Sub-Ripas

Paço de Sub-Ripas, also called Paço de Sobre-Ribas, Casa de Sub-Ripas or Palácio de Sobre-Ribas, is a historic pair of houses in the centre of Coimbra, Portugal. A covered arch spanning the narrow street links the two buildings. It is regarded as a rare example of a Manueline-style townhouse in the region.

Why does it have several names?

The name Sobre-Ribas refers to the site: the house stands on the steep bank of a stream, "sobre a riba" in Portuguese. The form Sub-Ripas came into use as well, and sources use both. The building lies at roughly 40.2094 N, 8.4284 W, in the old part of the city.

What is the history of Paço de Sub-Ripas?

The lower part of the complex, known as Casa de Baixo or Casa da Torre, grew out of an old defensive tower that belonged to Coimbra's medieval city walls. It was called the Torre da Contenda. In the 16th century the tower was adapted for residential use.

João Vaz bought it. In 1514 he built Casa de Cima, also called Casa do Arco, the oldest part of the ensemble and Manueline in style. He then acquired the buildings on the opposite side of the street. An extension carried out between 1542 and 1547 follows Renaissance taste, and the two houses were joined by an arched passage over the road. That arrangement is what makes the building recognisable today.

What is worth looking at?

Above all, the overall form and the arch seen from the street. It combines late Gothic Manueline decoration with a more restrained Renaissance style, along with the remains of the medieval tower in the lower house. The ensemble is a National Monument, protected since 1910.

Can you go inside?

Today the complex has two owners. Casa de Baixo belongs to the Institute of Archaeology of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Coimbra. Casa de Cima is privately owned, so visiting its interior should not be taken for granted. Check opening times and access rules for the university part with the institute or the city tourist office before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Paço de Sub-Ripas? In Coimbra's historic centre, near the line of the former city walls, on a steep slope above a former stream.

How old is it? Casa de Cima dates from 1514, and the extension and arch were added between 1542 and 1547. The oldest element, however, is the medieval defensive tower.

What style is it? The older part is Manueline, while the mid-16th-century extension is Renaissance.

Is it a protected monument? Yes. It has held National Monument status since 1910.

Is it open to visitors? One part belongs to the university and the other to a private owner, so access to the interiors can be limited. The arch and facades can be seen from the street.