Coimbra is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, and so doing a road trip around Portugal, I had to stop over and have a look. I spent an overnight and a day exploring the city, which looked and felt very different during night time and day time. I was there during a time when school was out, around January, when people were still at home post Christmas and Newyears, and so it felt like the university town was a bit deserted, missing some of what is likely a very vibrant student town.
The university dates back to the 13th century, though it was initially in Lisbon, and only moved to Coimbra during the 16th century. Since it’s been there forever, just wandering around the campus you’ll run into quite a few attractions, some of which you can only tour with reservation or guided tours. The old library is one such attraction worth visiting, it’s is absolutely magnificent
Let’s start from the uni campus…
With some grand views of the city from above…
and visit the library… (photos in the central library room not allowed)
And explore the old halls…
and wander around the city…
the river area…
And the creepy empty night version…
Catching a lovely Fado performance…
And one final farewell with the university botanical gardens…
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