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Published: July 14th 2016
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We drove to Coimbra but you can also get here by train or bus. Our hotel Coimbra Vintage Lofts used to be a factory and had a parking garage across the street. We did not move our car until it was time to leave because you can walk all over this city and you do not need a car, bus or taxie. This is a college town and it was Portugals capital for 100 years. The Romans and Moors were also here. In the Roman times Coimbra was called Aeminium. A river runs through the city and you can walk along the river and stop to visit shops. The old town is up from the river about five blocks. There is a pedestrian only street that runs parallel to the river in old town with lots of shops and restaurants. Odd for a college town we found no bars.
We visited the 12th century Cathedral. We always visit churches because they have so much art and we like the architecture. Coimbra was the main center for sculpture at the end of the 13th century. We visited the National Museum which we enjoyed a lot. The museum sits on what were
Roman buildings and we visited the Roman ruins which are underground. The museum has Roman artifacts and a lot of religious sculptures. We had lunch at the museum cafe which had good food and outdpoor seating with a great view of the city.
Visiting the college is a popular tourist attraction. The college is Portugals oldest university and its most prestigious, it was founded in 1290. The university is uphill We bought a ticket to visit the university Grand Hall, St Michaels Chape, King Johns Library and other rooms. A PHD student was in the Grand Hall being quizzed by his professors while his family sat behind him watching. It was graduation time and we saw students (see pic) dressed in the traditional long black suit, university cape, sash and top hat.
We enjoyed Coimbra a lot and if you go to Portugal include Coimbra in your visit.
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Stan Skiba
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Aeminium
That is a city rich in history and culture. I agree that many of the churches are the keepers of the past. Did you know that Kracow, Poland had the first and oldest university in Europe. The Greeks had the Lyceum which was gathering places of learning and exchange of ideas. Some great photos and I love your blog.