Hospital da Luz Coimbra and Casa da Cidadania da Língua celebrated a partnership for the implementation of the program “Coimbra no tempo de Camões” (Coimbra in the days of Camões). The initiative, when the 500 th anniversary of the birth of Camões is commemorated, consists in the organization of tours through some of the city's historic and most emblematic places, while recalling a few of his poems. “The support to this project reflects the realization that health goes beyond service providing, encompassing the whole wellbeing of the individual, including access to culture and education, hence the appreciation of Portuguese language. This project of Casa da Cidadania da Língua promotes cultural diversity, strengthens the bonds between Portuguese-speaking communities, in alignment with the values of excellency, innovation and humanization that govern us”, stated Pedro Beja Afonso, director of Hospital da Luz Coimbra, at the celebration of the agreement. “This partnership reflects our intent to promote the cultural and social integration of Brazilian people in Portugal”, explained on its turn José Manuel Diogo, president of the Portugal Brazil 200 Years Association and responsible for the management of Casa da Cidadania da Língua. “By means of this program, sponsored by Hospital da Luz Coimbra, we intend not only to celebrate our rich historical and cultural heritage, but also enable a better understanding and adaptation of Brazilians to Portuguese society” , he added, complimenting Hospital da Luz for “the exemplary commitment to universality and welcoming”. “This partnership allows us to ensure that Brazilians, especially those who choose Coimbra as their new home, receive quality healthcare and a welcoming that respects their cultural specificities. This collaboration is a role model for future initiatives aiming the integration of foreigners, particularly Brazilians, in Portugal”, he further added. “Coimbra in the days of Camões”: The tours will happen on the last Friday of every month, with an approximate duration of 2 and a half hours; It is divided into seven distinct themes, the routes alternating between art and patrimony in uptown Coimbra, and the sixteenth-century education in Sophia Colleges, offering an immersion in the cultural and educational life in the days of Camões. “The Colleges in Sophia Street”, “The Renaissance Uptown”, “Sixteenth-century Secrets and Mysteries of Santa Cruz Monastery” are some of the tours anyone can join, among a selection of themes encompassing a vision of history, art and architecture, particularly in the Renaissance period. Registration in the tours can be made on the site of Casa da Cidadania . The next tour will take place on July 26.
