AtCasas da Comédia, each apartment is designed not only as a place to stay, but as a story to experience. TheRepúblicaapartment honors one of the most iconic and vibrant aspects of Coimbra’s cultural identity — theRepúblicas, student houses rooted in centuries of tradition, activism, and community.

Fittingly, the very street where Casas da Comédia is located is home to two of these famous Repúblicas. From the outside, they might look like charming, even quirky homes. But step inside — or speak to anyone who’s lived in one — and you’ll discover an entire world of history, creativity, and student solidarity.

The Repúblicas date back as far as the 14th century, when students at the University of Coimbra began sharing houses to make education more affordable. Over the centuries, these communal homes evolved into self-governing, democratic spaces with their own traditions, rules, and deep-rooted identities. By the 19th and 20th centuries, each República had developed its own personality, often expressed through its name, rituals, and the strong bonds between its members.

But these were never just shared residences. They became cultural and political hubs, especially during the Estado Novo dictatorship (1933–1974), when many Repúblicas served as centers of resistance.

Here, students organized underground debates, planned protests, and fostered ideals of freedom and justice. Within their walls, the values of democracy, solidarity, and activism took shape — often under the watchful eye of a regime that sought to silence them.

Even today, Coimbra’s Repúblicas remain essential to student life. They’re spaces where music, art, and debate flourish — where community is built over shared meals, traditions are passed from generation to generation, and life-long friendships are formed. During academic celebrations like Queima das Fitas, you’ll see their spirited presence all over the city — loud, proud, and full of life.

The República apartment draws on this energy — youthful, bold, and rich in meaning. It offers a stylish, comfortable retreat that also invites you to connect with the living heritage of Coimbra’s student culture. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, this apartment offers more than just a place to rest. It’s a tribute to independence, collaboration, and the transformative power of community.

Come stay in República — and step into the heart of Coimbra’s most rebellious and inspiring traditions.