| Coimbra 4 to 7 September 2009 |
During the morning of our first full day in Coimbra we walked the zig-zag lanes up the hill to
Coimbra University.
Coimbra University.
The most impressive University building is the Library ("Biblioteca Joanina"), built in the
early 1700's. The library's rooms contain more than 300,000 volumes and have the walls
and ceilings covered with beautifully sculptured gold and fine woods.
early 1700's. The library's rooms contain more than 300,000 volumes and have the walls
and ceilings covered with beautifully sculptured gold and fine woods.
Another impressive University building is the Chapel with its dazzling interior. There also
are several other lavishly decorated halls, some with museum-quality paintings and sculptures.
are several other lavishly decorated halls, some with museum-quality paintings and sculptures.
In addition to the historic buildings the campus also contains modern buildings. We saw very
few persons looking like students, so we assume that the University was on vacation.
Photography at the University is restricted, but below are a few photos we were able to take.
few persons looking like students, so we assume that the University was on vacation.
Photography at the University is restricted, but below are a few photos we were able to take.
Walking down from the University we stopped at the New Cathedral where we saw a funeral
in progress, also a wedding at Santa Cruz church. Part of our route was along Rua Ferreira
and the Placa de Comercio, both pedestrian areas.
in progress, also a wedding at Santa Cruz church. Part of our route was along Rua Ferreira
and the Placa de Comercio, both pedestrian areas.
After lunch we walked through the park adjoining the Mondego River, then crossed the river
to the park area in the other side, followed by coffee in a waterfront café. The end of
very pleasant day!
to the park area in the other side, followed by coffee in a waterfront café. The end of
very pleasant day!