Planning and postponing the urban reform of Coimbra´s Downtown

Abstract

In this paper I aim to analyse the process of transformation and modernization of Coimbra’s downtown during the 19th century and the beginnings of the 20th century, firstly carried out to deal with the recurrent flooding of the Mondego River but moreover as a beautification plan carried out according to European models. Coimbra, like all Portuguese cities in this period, faced several sanitary problems due to the absence of water and sewage networks, lighting infrastructures and public transport; in addition in Coimbra these problems were exacerbated by the recurrent floods. The solution was the construction of a new riverbank, planned and executed by state engineers but partially paid for by the municipality. This work endorsed the reform of the main city entrance, the construction of a new bridge and a square, the enlargement of the Coruche Street and the construction of a boulevard by the river. Just a few years later, the riverfront and the image of Coimbra were reconfigured once more to implant a new train line and station. With this project began a new phase of planning that has lasted until today. It started with the opening of a boulevard connecting the station and the town hall. Then, at the beginning of the 20th century and, within the principles in vogue in Europe, the plan was extended to propose a set of wide avenues to sanitize the unhealthy downtown. The financial difficulties and the lack of government support postponed this ambitious plan. But, it was not overlooked, and was followed by a succession of plans and became a part of the collective imaginary. We analyse this set of plans, its motivations and its relation with international models. Furthermore we aim to explore its processes, emphasizing the role of the population yearning for the reform of the old core and the municipal council’s efforts to execute these plans. In conclusion we stress the consequences of these unrealized plans for the transformation and growth of the rest of the city.